<p>I'm a Junior, and I was wondering about the significance of family legacy in Northwestern's decisions on admitting students.</p>
<p>I have heard from Seniors that family legacy, especially in private institutions like Northwestern really makes a huge difference.</p>
<p>I just wanted to know to what extent would family legacy secure me occupy an advantageous position in the competition for Northwestern.</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>BTW, is there a big difference between having BOTH parents Northwestern alumni versus having either MOM or DAD from Northwestern? What if my parents graduated from McCormick, while I am aiming for WCAS?</p>
<p>Mosdefinitely, I am an NU alum married to another NU alum (both WCAS).
It is my understanding that legacy status, even double legacy status such as my children would have, is fairly minor and mostly relevant if you apply Early Decision. It might be a feather on the scale, but isn't going to compensate for an otherwise unqualified candidate. Unless your parents are significant donors to the school (and by significant, I mean six-figure-donation and above, not a couple hundred bucks a year type of thing). And frankly, if your parents are donors to that level, it doesn't much matter if they are alumni or not.</p>
<p>The specific school (WCAS, McCormick, Medill, etc.) is irrelevant in this issue. It's whether you are a NU legacy, not whether you are a legacy to the specific school of interest.</p>
<p>Good luck though! Hey I wish legacy counted for a heck of a lot more, since my kids have both their parents AND a grandparent (my MIL) as NU alumni!</p>
<p>Hmm, my grandfather went to NU...</p>