My dad attended Harvard Business school; my grandfather and my two uncles attended the Undergraduate Program. As a result, I was wondering if I could be considered a legacy? Thanks so much.
No. Harvard’s definition of legacy: “the sons and daughters of Harvard College graduates” meaning that your mom or dad (or both) would have to have graduated from Harvard College. For the purposes of legacy, graduate school graduates don’t count, nor does having other relatives such as grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins graduate from Harvard College.
Thanks so much!
Sure, technically no legacy, but doesn’t it help that dad went to a Harvard grad school, which I believe you note on the application?
^^ Technically no, not according to what Admissions has said publicly. Here’s a good article to read about legacy policies at various schools: http://thedartmouth.com/2003/05/15/legacy-policies-vary-across-nation/
Harvard Admissions only considers a student a legacy if their mother or father graduated from Harvard College (the undergraduate school). Please feel free to call Admissions and ask them directly.
In any case, an actual legacy at H doesn’t really get favored treatment besides a “second look” according to the admissions office:
In that case, would mentioning your relatives’ experiences at Harvard as your motivation to apply help your application? (I’m in a similar situation and I’m curious as to how this works 
)
@OBSIC29: No, mentioning your relatives’ experiences at Harvard as your motivation to apply WILL NOT help your application.
Unlike other colleges, Harvard does not ask “Why Harvard?” on their application or supplement because: (1) Admissions assumes Harvard is the number one choice of all applicants and every applicant has his or her own reason(s) for wanting to attend. And more importantly, (2) An applicant’s interest in the school or reason(s) for wanting to attend ARE NOT considered as part of Harvard’s applications process. Admissions just doesn’t care why you are motivated to apply. It’s Harvard – enough said!. So, it’s best for students to not waste their time and that of an Admissions Officer enumerating their motivation or reasons (whatever they are) and have their application stand on their academic abilities, extracurricular activities and strength of character.
But it doesn’t hurt to mention it in your application (not essay as motivation. Even if it is undergraduate legacy, that is kind of a bad essay topic anyways). Doesn’t Harvard have a place to mention family members that attended Harvard? I remember there is a section like that for MIT, but I’m not sure for Harvard though, which is strange now I think about it. Why would MIT ask you that if they don’t consider legacy at all?
^^ @idkName: Harvard’s Supplement did not ask questions about family members attending in 2015 and in prior years: https://college.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/harvard-supp-UA-1415.pdf