Cousin Legacy?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

I recently found out my cousin went to Harvard College (undergrad). I realize that ‘legacy’ for Harvard is extremely narrow (parent went for undergrad, and that’s it), but I’m curious as to whether any mention of it would help.

It’s not even close to time for me to apply to colleges, and Harvard isn’t a top choice (interested in engineering) so it doesn’t really matter to me whether it makes a difference.

If anyone’s curious, here’s a little background. My cousin was born a little before my dad graduated high school, and he is currently around 55 (grew up with Prince, RIP), so 55-17= 38ish. If my estimates are correct, then she went to Harvard in the late 1990’s (graduated early 2000’s) and later moved to a rural (~200 population) town in Alaska as a pediatrician, did a lot of welfare type stuff. Big heart. We’re all Taiwanese (non-mainland China, essentially.

All responses appreciated!

2

A cousin born decades ago? No.
And if you didn’t even know she went to H, aren’t sure of her age, doesn’t sound like you are close. You have to understand there are tens of thousands of kids with top records vying for a spot at H.

Sometimes, some interesting tidbit intrigues an adcom, but you will be reviewed for your own record and the thinking and judgment that shows in your own app.

3

@lookingforward Yeah, I suspected as much.

4

unless your cousin donates tons of money or was the valedictorian, no it won’t help you.