<p>I don't know if this will even help my application, but my grandfather went to Dartmouth and I was hoping they would ask for that sort of thing on the application. However, unlike most of the schools I am applying to, I don't see a place where I can add it in. Am I just missing something or do they really not ask? If so, is there any way I can tell them anyway? Thanks for your help :]</p>
<p>Unfortunately, having a grandparent who graduated from Dartmouth does not make you a legacy. Dartmouth defines legacy as the child of an alum. However, you may mention your grandfather’s connection to Dartmouth during your interview.</p>
<p>Do you have any cute stories about how your grandfather’s Dartmouth connection has influenced your Dartmouth interest and application? A friend (who wrote for the Dartmouth school paper) wrote a great essay in “The D” shortly before his graduation from Dartmouth comparing his Dartmouth experience to that of his grandfather 60 years earlier and it was really great. I could see a similar application essay as being a really great way to subtly get across the Dartmouth connection.</p>
<p>Your application is either tagged legacy or it isn’t. It takes a parent to get the legacy tag. Now a grandparent who donated generously would make you a development candidate, which is better than a legacy…</p>
<p>In addition I have the perhaps-mistaken impression that D is one of those schools where legacy really only helps you significantly in the ED round.</p>
<p>My two children both got into Dartmouth with no legacy connection but I believe the sibling connection did have some influence on my second child’s acceptance. We do know many other families with multiple siblings at Dartmouth, probably more than would be statisticly expected. I heard in a talk by the Dean of Admissions that although they only officially “track” the applications of children of alumni they have a soft spot for Dartmouth siblings and of course grandchildren of Dartmouth alumni. There do seem to be alot of siblings at Dartmouth, they have even written articles about the numbers of siblings in the school newspaper.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the help so far everyone. I am trying to figure out a way to add it in somewhere and crossing my fingers that it will help! And congrats on both of your kids going to Dartmouth, ColbyGrad… wow!!</p>
<p>If your grandfather is still alive, have him write a letter to the Office of Alumni Relations with a nice fat check enclosed. Be sure to have him mention the connection to your application and discreetly hint at future donations. Endorse proudly with class year and a cute note about “Dartmouth Undying” or “voice crying out in the wilderness” or something similar.</p>