<p>My S has applied to the school my D is a junior at. He was planning to apply there anyhow, but even more so when it became apparent he could apply for free due to having a sibling or a parent that attends are attended.</p>
<p>Is this a true hook? Do they feel it is beneficial to have multiple members of a family go there as it most likely translates to a greater family allegiance and more donating of money down the road?</p>
<p>Or is this just a way to generate more applications so that the school looks more selective for the rankings?</p>
<p>I don' t know if it qualifies as a "hook" at every college, but it certainly does help. For some schools it helps enough to be a true hook. The most selective LACs like the little ivies may not give this as much of a boost as other school as they often operate their admissions more like the ivy and other selective universities. But some colleges do have a sibling policy that they will not decline a sibling with equal or better qualifications than the one at the school. May not be written in stone, but is operating policy for the most part. </p>
<p>A major reason that it can count so heavily at a small school, is that fit and interest are often heavy considerations for admissions in that environment. Having a sibling already there shows this. We visited a LAC lately that really felt a concern of kids knowing what their school is like which is a reason they push visits, particularly for kids out of area. </p>
<p>The family allegiance also plays a role, but, in my opinion, I don't think generating more apps is a big factor in this case. I think they know they are targeting more serious applicants when they encourage legacies and siblings to apply. Yield is a big deal for small schools because they can more easily miss big when they cannot discern serious applicants from those who are just adding more insurance since it is easy to apply. Although I like free apps, I have cautioned my kid about still being discerning in picking colleges and not just applying because it's free and easy. Colleges that do that for all kids are contributing to their own problem of getting too many non serious applicants.</p>
<p>Hmm. Interesting take. This is not a highly selective school, but moderately. Actually, it's Goucher College. My son's scores are substantially higher than my daughter's were three years ago, but they are test optional now. His GPA is a bit lower and he has very different, yet valid EC's that show a passion for sports (although I realize sports are not huge there). His GPA is lower mainly due to the typical boy thing of not maturing as soon. He has great progression. I know the standards have gotten higher even in the three years since she applied and matriculated, so not sure how his stats vs her stats will play out.</p>
<p>He should know in about six weeks though as it is early action.</p>
<p>Actually they like males, and they are looking for males that can participate in the sports they offer them. I think it'll make a difference for him that he has a happy sibling there. Good luck to him.</p>
<p>I always thought the "hookiness" of the legacy policy reflected more the schools' expectation of greater financial support and contribution from parents and families whose children or childrens' children might apply. </p>
<p>In which case, I'd think that two kids attending the same LAC would ~ if legacy meant anything at that school ~ would raise their expectations even more of three eventual conduits of family "loyalty".</p>
<p>(I'll bet it wouldn't hurt if you also didn't apply for financial aid).</p>
<p>Oh, he needs aid and my daughter gets aid. But I read somewhere, can't recall now, that schools feel that people who get aid tend to contribute more in the future because they are so appreciative of the aid they got and they want to pass it on.</p>
<p>Not sure how true this is or not. For some reason, I think the aid would be easier to deal with if they are at the same school.</p>
<p>I was being slightly facetious about not applying for financial aid, curly. And I do agree that when financial aid is given one tends want to return the favor later (if in a position to). I've certainly thought more about someday giving to her LAC than my own alma mater (although for various other reasons too).</p>
<p>Sounds like your son and daughter are very similar to mine and how they compare vis a vis to eachother. Except my son disdains the LAC where my daughter is now a Junior. Believe me, I tried to get him to apply, hoping that they'd give him some slight advantage because of his sister. But he wouldn't have any of it.</p>