Does anyone have any insight into the actual process admissions committees use when a legacy applicant comes up? I understand that different schools put different amounts of weight to legacy status. That's not what I'm wondering about. What they actually DO with that information is what I'm asking about.
Do they type the names in to a graduated alumni/ae database & just confirm Yes/No said person graduated from our instititute (end of story)?
Do they pull out the alumni/ae's actual records & review that person's academic record to review to see how they 'performed' in undergrad? GPA, Majors, ethnicity, etc
Do they look at the alumni/ae's current student loan repayment status?
There's at least 1 school we are looking at that does allow aunts/uncles & another that allows cousins to qualify an applicant as a legacy. However, it's a bit of an awkward thing to ask anyone questions like those above to 'vet' them out before listing them as a legacy connection.
So we'd really like to know if a 'bad' alumni/ae legacy connection can hurt an application or not.
FOR THE RECORD: Legacy connection is not being relied on as a hook! Lol. All other stats on the application puts my son in the top 25th percentile for SAT/ACT scores & GPA for these schools & ECs are solid. His application can stand on its own just fine without the legacy connection. But if it can only help further strengthen chances, why not list it?
However, if it can actually hurt an application, it'd be really good to know beforehand so that it can be omitted. I'd REALLY like to avoid those awkward conversations with family members if at all possible! "So, did you pull out of default on your school loans?" "We're you ever sanctioned by the school for that crazy party you ______." o_O
Thanks in advance!
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