<p>We are working on the college applications. One of the colleges my son is looking at we have an uncle who is dean of one of the schools. To be honest, this relative is a rabid fan of this school. Long before he worked there ( but was an alumni) he pressured me strongly to go there.( Granted, that was 25 years ago!) It was too close to home for me and I ignored him. What I chose was a better fit for me anyway. My son has visited the university and we did not let my uncle know. He is leaning toward my alma mater right now, but this university is a very close second. On the application it asks what relatives are alumni of this college. Does my son put that uncle down? Is there an advantage? Disadvantage? If we put him, then I will have to let my uncle know he is applying... I don't want his feelings to be hurt if he chooses the other school. I'm not sure what to tell my son to do.</p>
<p>Sounds like this is a pretty large institution. Unless your uncle is dean of admissions, it’s unlikely he’d be any the wiser about your son’s application if you do put him down.</p>
<p>Doesn’t sound like you are particularly close to this uncle. I’d can’t imagine he’d really be hurt if his great nephew applied and then chose to go elsewhere. Would seem like it would be a lot more hurtful if you don’t tell the uncle and your son winds up attending.</p>
<p>If it were me, I’d tell the uncle, and tell him your son is strongly considering the school–if it’s the truth. If your son winds up waitlisted, your uncle may have strings to pull. I’d keep him in the loop. You never know.</p>