<p>I have heard a lot on here about legacies, and whether it matters if the Yale grads in the family give money, etc...</p>
<p>Being a legacy myself (applied EA, deferred), here's a little perspective for those parents who are wondering whether they should donate hugs sums to their alma mater: </p>
<p>If you give a lot of money to Yale, or any other school, hoping that your "active legacy" status will help your child(ren) in the admissions process, you are, essentially, wasting your money. Consider what your children could do if they went to any of the other fantastic schools they are sure to be admitted to, and simply GIVEN the money (that you would've donated) to do something else with. They could fund really amazing research, or travel to another country to live and work. If you're willing to spend that much on your child's education, put the money where it counts; don't spend it on a name.</p>