<p>I had all A's in political science at a small Midwestern Catholic University and am interested in applying to Columbia for a masters in political science, with an eye towards teaching or potential government work. My uncle, Columbia '41 was a class president and played for Lou Little on the football team. Does Columbia take into account "legacy" backgrounds in grad school admissions?</p>
<p>If that uncle were a professor at Columbia currently teaching there and willing to write an LOR for you, then definitely a big factor. Otherwise, I wouldn’t count much on it. It is of course better than nothing.</p>