<p>Will knowing an alumni help in the admissions process?</p>
<p>I know one ( really close family friend and told me to put his name in reference and etc.) and i was wondering if that would help ?</p>
<p>He donates a LOT of money back to the school (NYU Stern)</p>
<p>My grades are average and same with SATS but ALOT of ECS and really good recommendation letters</p>
<p>Certain schools have "development" admits where a relative who is a significant donor can persuade the admissions dept to allow an otherwise marginal student in. In your case, things to consider</p>
<p>1) You probably don't qualify because your friend has not crossed the line to "call in his favors" with the NYU Development dept. If he had, he would definitely know if you'd receive special consideration.
2) Depending on his donation level, he may not even qualify. If we're speaking about Stern, I'd say he needs to be a 7 figure giver
3) you aren't a relative and you might even beneath the "marginal" acceptance scale</p>
<p>Given all these, just placing his name will reek of trying to call in a favor thru the old boys network, an image that the top schools are really trying to shed themselves of. Frankly, it'll look tacky.</p>
<p>But if you have no other options (which seems to be the case), maybe it's your only lifeline. But know that avg academic potential is the biggest hurdle you face.</p>
<p>7 fig donor....please ...i think you got a little carried away....</p>
<p>But yes he is is a 5 fig donor</p>
<p>Everything else i can understand....</p>
<p>^That is not a lot of money for alumni donation.</p>
<p>Regardless, you should put him down. If you are one of those people who are on the border between acceptance and rejection, anything can help.</p>
<p>5-figure donor? That’s really not a lot. Especially if it’s a total over the years instead of a big check at one time. 7-figures is a realistic benchmark. </p>
<p>I just looked at the common app and the NYU supplement. I don’t see a spot to list references. (Although, I could have missed it.) Where did you envision putting this guy’s name?</p>
<p>“Anything can help” Unless it makes you look desperate.</p>
<p>Listing alumni you know? Might as well imprint “Grasping at straws RIGHT HERE” above it.</p>
<p>Plus, the OP sent in his/her apps in Dec 07. S/He’s about finishing his/her last semester in college right now, dontcha think?</p>