<p>Hey everyone, I’m new to the forum, and I’ve been wondering about this for a while. I applied ED to Amherst, and while I don’t think I’m lacking in many areas, I don’t really think I stand out too much either. 35 ACT, 3.87 UGPA, captain 2 varsity sports, and pres. student council. What I feel to be fairly average at Amherst. The only thing that could tip the scales in my favor is that I’m a legacy (my dad attended). I’ve read things at a few places (higher expectations, about 50% admitted, etc.), but I’m wondering if this status is TRULY beneficial, or much more minor than some kids make it out to be.</p>
<p>Alrighty then. I guess nobody has any opinion?</p>
<p>I think it's a hard question to answer, because legacy would just be one factor among many that admissions committees consider. Is it a factor that is worth something? Probably. How much it's worth may depend on the continued involvement the applicant's family has had with the college in terms of donations or volunteering of time or services or something else.</p>
<p>I have noticed in my few experiences among other Amherst parents that there seems to always be a presence of Amherst alums. I've also heard parents speak of having two students at the college. If not for family connections, what's the likelihood two kids from one family would be admitted in the same lottery everyone else enters at schools as selective as Amherst?</p>
<p>So, yeah, I think legacy, or some other kind of family connection to the school may help. The thing is that it's impossible to say how much it helps, or that it always helps.</p>
<p>I know a kid who applied to a peer school of Amherst. His father was an alum, has been very successful, donated generously, and was an alumnus interviewer of applicants for his area. His son had nearly perfect grades from a top prep school, and a 2300+ SAT score. But he got rejected in ED. (Needless to say, Dad doesn't donate anymore, nor does he volunteer his time to do interviews. ;) )</p>
<p>So... in answer to your question, I think it's just impossible to say. Except that it's probably safe to say it doesn't <em>hurt</em>.</p>
<p>Most legacies have some outstanding talent or extraordinary life experience to add to their high SAT scores, GPAs, and alma maters. Many legacies apply ED too, and their admit rate is as high as 50 percent.</p>
<p>I don't really agree with the "outstanding talent" post. </p>
<p>My experience is legacy status will not get an under qualified applicant admitted, but if the applicant is otherwise qualified for admission, ie, has a GPA and test scores that would merit admission on their own, legacy status is extremely helpful. This might not sound like much, but remember that colleges like Amherst reject a lot of (most?) qualified applicants.</p>
<p>Yeah, ncram is right. I've heard that legacy is helpful in times when they are comparing two similar students that they could potentially admit. Also, legacy is taken more into consideration for ED kids in general (I heard this from a Penn admin officer).</p>
<p>For Amherst, I attended DivOH and the legacy issue was brought up. The admissions officers said it does play a role in admissions, but more so for ED than RD.</p>
<p>Awesome, thanks everyone. I'm either even, or slightly above all of Amherst's averages, but don't plan on playing a sport there, and I'm not a minority or 1st generation, so it's pretty much I meet their stats and am a legacy. I'll let you guys know.</p>
<p>One thing I can add. I was told by the dean that, while this is unofficial, they won't reject any legacies in ED. Either accepted or wait-listed. Just in case this is helpful to anyone else. Dunno if that's true either, but they mentioned it in passing.</p>
<p>Thanks again!</p>
<p>What the dean said sounds right haha</p>
<p>Hope you get in!</p>