<p>Hi, my dad went to Harvard and I have been hearing different things about whether legacy counts for anything. Some people have said that it helps a lot while others say it really doesn't matter at all. Can someone please clarify for me what the real scoop is? thanks!</p>
<p>Of course it helps. Even Harvard admits it helps (on its admissions page). Anyone who tells you that it really doesn't matter at all is saying that because that is what he wants to believe.</p>
<p>It does help to a certain extent. If your dad is a Harvard alum, the adcom will expect more from you than, let's say, a first-generation college student from the Bronx since they will expect that you know how the college admissions process works, etc. and you had that opportunity/resource available to you.</p>
<p>actually, they won't expect more, they'll probably evaluate you with lower standards. Pretty much you can use legacy as another tool to make up for a lacking part of your app, but again, only to a certain extent.</p>