Offer of help getting into Uni - immoral?

[partygirluk]

Over the next few months I am going to apply to study a PhD, mainly at U.S schools. Will apply to about 10 unis. I know someone who is a very senior figure in one of the schools. This person said if I apply to his/her school, he/she is happy to put in a word for me.

Well. This puts me at an unfair advantage imo. It opens the possibilty of a superior candidate getting turned down in my favor. I would also like the pride of getting in on merit. However, it is a very competitive world, and some people (notably my parents) think I should take every advantage and each opportunity that presents itself to me.

Confused.