<p>I'm applying early decision to Cornell--my mom went there and my sister is currently attending. How much will that boost my chances of getting in?</p>
<p>Legacies definitely have an advantage, although not as strongly as before, I think. If your stats are in the ballpark then you’ll probably be admitted, but if they’re outside the range then it’s anyone’s guess what could happen.</p>
<p>I know a couple of Cornell legacies who applied in past years and all of them who applied ED <em>eventually</em> got in even if not accepted ED, whether by getting deferred and waitlisted before given a spot or getting a guaranteed transfer. Obviously a sample size of 4 to 5 people isn’t very indicative, so your mileage may vary on that. There didn’t seem to be that kind of boost in the RD round, regardless of the legacy applicant’s stats, so if you really want to go then applying ED is the right idea.</p>
<p>Best of luck! </p>
<p>I am a third-generation legacy and got in RD. Obviously, I don’t know how much of a factor that played, but I feel as though it was important because I really was not mind-blowing or particularly unique in any other way. But who knows. Legacy status can’t hurt.</p>