<p>I know that SCU does give a lot of credit to legacies applying for admission. I've heard that it is as high as 70%, which seems too high to me. Does anybody have any knowledge of the percentage of legacies that make up each group of accepted students each year?</p>
<p>I’d bet anything it’s way less than that. Most people are not legacies, however. I’d say it’s like most other good schools – a sizable minority (ie, 15%). </p>
<p>I have no idea how this weighs in on admission decisions, however.</p>
<p>It’s definitely not 70%. 10-15% sounds right. It’s not higher than 25%. You could easily email admissions for a more accurate statistic. </p>
<p>I myself am a legacy at Santa Clara (through my mom), but I got into SCU on my own merits. It might have some pull for borderline students, but I really do not think that it is a very significant factor. I wouldn’t be concerned about the legacy thing. Grades, extracurriculars are much, much more important. If you’re strong in those areas, you should have no problem.</p>
<p>It’s probably about 10 to 15 percent. </p>
<p>I don’t know if you happen to know any alumni, but this is a school where (regardless of whether it’s a legacy family or not) having a recommendation from an alum will definitely help you.</p>
<p>I found the answer in a brochure from SCU. 29% have a legacy connection.</p>
<p>What is a “legacy connection”? For some schools it’s just parents who graduated from the main undergraduate school. Such legacies get the biggest boost. Then some schools give some, but not as heavy consideration for sibling, one degree relatives like grandparents, and for professional, grad, extension schools. </p>
<p>The exact wording in the brochure is “Alumni ties”. They provide no further explanation.</p>