<p>Hey guys, like to preface this by saying this is my first ever post on CC, so go easy on me if I'm doing anything wrong! Just figured that the summer would be a really good time to prepare for higher education. Anyways, my question is as follows: Does a close legacy really make a difference in admissions if the legacy hasn't donated a ton of cash after graduation? And what if they went to that college's grad school?</p>
<p>Columbia is my dream school, and my mom (and cousin, if that matters) went there for college. However, my mom doesn't give money to the school. I actually think she just hangs up on the donation people. In addition, Duke is another college I'm looking at, and my father, aunt, uncle, and cousin all went there. None of them gave money to the school as far as I'm aware, but is that still an advantage for me? Also, my mother got her PHD at Harvard. Does that matter to the Harvard admissions office?</p>
<p>I apologize if I sound in any way full of myself, I've just been wondering and haven't been able to find any answers via google. Thanks so much for taking the time to read this.</p>