<p>if i applied to harvard.. would having a recent harvard graduate as a brother have much weight? also, does applying EA give you a better chance of getting in? because it's non-binding, i assume it doesnt.. what do you guys think?</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Having a Harvard sibling doesn't hurt, but it doesn't get you at tip.</p></li>
<li><p>Applying EA is a big statistical advantage at Harvard - the admit rate is between 3 and 4 times as high as the RD admit rate - far beyond anything that can be explained by the "strength of the early pool" etc.</p></li>
</ol>