How heavily do connectiosn weigh in the admissions process?

<p>There are four students applyign from my highschool ED to Wharton, the two most qualified are me and my good friend, but the other two have pretty decent connections. The one kid's dad is the chief financer and judge for the Wharton business plan competition :( his SAT's are 1350, grades are good but EC's are weak. I'm just hoping that these kids don't take spots away from the more qualified applicants.</p>

<p>"Connections" don't really help. Giving a crapload of money helps.</p>