<p>I've only heard of these stories through unreliable sources and rumors. Over the course of the last week however, two people I know were deferred from two schools (Georgetown) and (Cornell) but were then accepted. The Georgetown student was not deferred but was just accepted with stats about 1900s SATS GPA of 3.3 at an elite private high school (one of the top 10 ranked in the country).Their very wealthy parents apparently gave large "gifts" to the schools and then they were accepted. I was wondering if anyone has any knowledge of how this bribing works. Why is this allowed? How do the colleges think this is fair? How much money do they donate for this to happen? How do they contact the schools letting them know they would like to donate? Do most of them contact them before their child applies? How do they get away with this? Etc... Thank you</p>
<p>There’s nothing illegal about it whatsoever. They are private institutions and can set standards as they see fit. Why can’t a private college admit a 1900SAT 3.3 GPA student if several million dollars will fund 50 kids’ financial aid or a new research lab or to remodel the Music School???</p>
<p>Do a search on “development” admits and you’ll learn more about it quickly.</p>
<p>Thank you. How much money do they pay? And do they use a third person to notify the school/ how do they contact them letting them know they are going to donate?</p>
<p>How much? How rich is the school? Lesser and more impoverished schools – look to mid six figures. Ivies and such: push several million.</p>
<p>For those regularly accustomed to donating seven figure amounts, they contact either admissions or the development office.</p>
<p>Those regularly donating 7-figure amounts usually have a good no. of people working for them, no?</p>
<p>Your Cornell and GTown examples were most likely in the seven figures.</p>