<p>Hello:</p>
<p>I read somewhere on this board that U Chicago's admissions committee doesn't pay much attention to legacy status for potential students. Is this true? If so why?</p>
<p>My wife is a U of C alum -- what does this mean for my kids?</p>
<p>Probobly because having a parent at UChicago doesnt mean that the kid is very smart?</p>
<p>I am kind of a legacy student (Grandfather was a university architect, grandmother worked in the med labs and my father and aunt both went to the university lab high school) but I really dont think it was a factor at all in my admission. In my interview, I am pretty sure I briefly mentioned some family connections when asked why I looked at chicago and the interviewer (on campus) didn't press for any info on that at all. It's on the application and I guess if it came to the final round of RD admissions (I was accepted EA) and there were 2 candidates but one had a generation or two of connections, they might be more inclined to pick the one with connections.</p>
<p>UC Admissions will tell you it is not considered in admissions, but they will wave the admissions fee. Why? Dunno. Ask them.</p>
<p>Keep in mind, though, that many schools are playing down legacy status, while still giving a boost. So Chicago may still give some advantage. After all, they took my kid...</p>
<p>And mine. </p>
<p>I think one can make it an advantage by talking about why The University excites one after hearing the parental stories, visiting with the parent and being introduced to the life of the mind. This is particularly true if it is sincere.</p>
<p>I thought UC waved the admissions fee for everyone who applied online? I think they waved mine; I can't remember...</p>
<p>I applied online and had to pay...</p>
<p>Legacy kids do not have to pay an application fee, but I'm sure their parents will be getting one of those nice fundraising letters in the mail very soon. And, it won't be based on whether or not their progeny was admitted. Most probably have been getting them for years.</p>
<p>lol. this is like a really old thread. but i would agree with idad. recently i have been getting A LOT of fundraising mail from chicago.</p>
<p>I'm a double legacy (my parents met in statistics class as U of C undergrads). I think it makes a real difference if you are otherwise qualified.</p>
<p>Admissions officers like to bring up the hypothetical of taking the legacy student when they have to choose between two otherwise equally qualified applicants. This sounds perfectly reasonable and plays down the role of legacy in admissions, but it is completely unrealistic. It's not like there is a double elimination tournament where kid A is evaluated against kid B and the winner moves on to the next round of evaluations, so the legacy explanation that most schools give is misleading. Does anyone have a more useful idea of the role legacy plays in admissions at Chicago or top schools in general?</p>
<p>Libby, in answer to this question, said Legacies are held to a higher standard since they should know more about the University. Probably not what you wanted to hear.</p>