<p>Does being a legacy really make such a huge difference in the admissions process? My grandfather went to Dartmouth, and my ECs and GPA are pretty strong- how much would this help me?</p>
<p>It could be a deciding factor.</p>
<p>If they have to pick between you and an equally-qualified candidate who is not a legacy, they will pick you as long as your grandfather still has a strong tie to the school (financial or otherwise).</p>