<p>Hey guys, </p>
<p>I'm EDing to columbia (woo hoo!). I was wondering what kind of difference family relations makes in the admissions process there. Both my brother and my sister recently graduated from SEAS, and I'm going to be applying to SEAS as well. I know it's not as strong as having parents who attended columbia, but will it help me out any?</p>
<p>thanks, hope everyone's doing well with apps</p>
<p>Officially, I would say no. Unofficially - I've seen many brothers and sisters come through here despite differences in scores and interests... so take that for what you will. I'd say it can't hurt...</p>
<p>I am interested in the legacy issue,too (father of D is non-contributing but proud grad.) What do you base your info on? Are you a present student? Thanks so much.</p>
<p>When my daughter attended the information session (two years ago), the rep said that legacy status at Columbia is of less importance than at some other schools. I would think that they meant "joe average" legacies and not the big donor types. At the Penn session we were told that legacy can be quite important...and that legacies should apply early. Princeton seems to love their legacies, as well.</p>
<p>Considering the number of applicants to elite schools, I would guess that legacy status can sometimes tip you over if you have a transcript that would be appropriate for the school (and you are filling a spot for a "type" of student that they are looking for) but it will no longer give you a bump up if you don't have the transcript. I have been told that some schools differentiate between a parent having attended undergrad or grad school and don't consider you a legacy unless your parent attended undergrad.</p>
<p>I know of some pretty accomplished legacies that did not get into Harvard, Yale or Penn my daughter's graduation year....and a couple that were deferred and picked up during the regular round.</p>