Hey All,
I am applying to Northwestern undergraduate regular and my grandfather went to both the graduate business and law school. Does this classify as legacy? There is a spot to write it down but does it carry any weight? Thanks.
Look at page 7 of the Common Data Set http://enrollment.northwestern.edu/pdf/common-data/2015-16.pdf
Legacy status is “considered”, but not “important” or “very important”. Although if your gramps has donated a building that could change the equation. 
Good Luck!
@javalemcgee23 Unless Admissions has changed their policy from previous years, legacy is only defined through a parent, sibling and maybe grandparent (?) who attended as an undergrad. Also, be aware that for the past 3-4 years, Northwestern has filled 50% of their incoming class with ED candidates. That’s roughly 1,000 students for the 2000+ spots available. I’ve done alumni interviewing for more than 10 years and I am stunned at the outstanding candidates I have interviewed who are ultimately denied admission because the candidate pool is so rich. Like all top tier schools, NU is looking to increase their yield by taking as many who appear committed to attending, as possible.
@10isMOM Yea I heard that worrying stat about Northwestern :(. So you think it does not qualify as legacy because he did not attend undergraduate, but graduate? Is there any way to confirm this?
javal - If this is really eating at you, to confirm, please call and/or email admissions, however, any legacy status is not going to overcome poor GPA, low test scores or underwhelming essay. IMHO, legacy status might break a tie with another applicant with the same general stats as you. My advice is to concentrate on the rest of your application, and ignore any potential legacy boost. Good Luck!