<p>Hi all, I'm currently a junior at a boarding school. My mom is a Harvard graduate, but not a very wealthy, influential, or active alumni (she sure is a great mom though!). How much does the fact that she went to Harvard help my chances of getting in? As far as I know, Harvard doesn't have any statements about this, so I would appreciate some input from everyone. If you need to know my grades or test scores or something, I'll provide them, I just didn't want this to be a typical "What are my chances" thread, since those belong on the Forum with that name, and I wanted input from people who know Harvard. Thanks!</p>
<p>The official line has been that if one of your parents graduated from Harvard or Radcliffe College that your application will given a “second look.” A few years ago Dean Fitzsimmons said that the legacy admit rate was 30 percent, but that figure, as with all statistics, is subject to interpretation.</p>
<p>Thanks! I did indeed see that from the Dean, and got it really got my hopes up lol, but I’m going to take that stat with a grain of salt. I shouldn’t really be surprised that Harvard is a bit vague. The only really way to help myself out is to make the best of it and make sure that “second look” counts :D</p>