No one is admitted to BS unless they are qualified. Let’s nip that one in the bud.
A legacy’s odds are higher because AOs assume they might be more likely to attend if offered a spot (yield management), and, in some cases, because a family with multiple members attending might be more likely to donate.
Who wouldn’t prefer a one-in-three chance over a one-in-ten?
More likely to donate? We’ve already been soaked over many, many years.
Everyone is expected to donate even financial aid recipients. The schools care not only about how much is given but the level of participation. What happens is kids who come from low income households and receive full financial aid may one day be in a position to give back in a big way. And even if people give only small amounts, that’s great. It all adds up.
Beware of the new campus culture.
The school bends over backwards to insure that legacy kids do not receive favorable treatment. The unintended consequence is that they are treated worse.
Also, beware of the parents who may be calling upon you to donate. They may have a quota to meet and may tell you they are seeking 100% participation in the annual appeal for donations…even if it’s a small amount…as mentioned above by @Happytimes2001.
Of course the school desires 100% participation. Parents calling are volunteers. There is no “quota”. They just believe in donating and are encouraging you to do so - as you should. When they say participation is appreciated, regardless of the amount, it is sincere. Nothing to “beware of”. There is no nefarious or hidden agenda.
Yes, I know, because I have been a volunteer. I also know being pressured as a volunteer to meet a benchmark (excuse me for using the word “quota”) for level of donations and participation. This process can be uncomfortable for parents unfamiliar with private schools and/or parents who might not be aware of annual funds or parents calling. For parents from a culture or area of the country where there are no private schools or parents calling for donations, this may be a new situation for them. Depends on your school and cultural sensitivity. I found that our previous school pressured volunteers and parents. Some parents with students on full FA had no money and/or were put in an uncomfortable position.
Yes, it can be very uncomfortable for people who have limited means to donate ( due to fluctuations in income or they are embarrassed to give so “little”) If you are someone who is asking for donations please be sure to give people an out. When helping the school ask for donations, I have asked parents to let the school know they are giving/or not and that I respect their privacy so they should not share the amount with me. I am happy to help a school but don’t want to put people I know on the spot. Also, some people may appear to have lots of money but may own a business which is having a hard time, have kids in college, have any number of issues. No one should assume a family can donate. And when I hear people talking about some families ability to donate I just cringe.
As a volunteer, it is one’s job to explain the culture, the “why” behind participation, explaining why a “little” is still perfectly okay. (I’ve seen donations of $20 and that is okay.) It can be done in a sensitive and aware manner without undue pressure. Many parents welcome the opportunity for conversation in my experience whether it leads to a donation or not. As a parent volunteer, act as a liaison between parents and the school. Sometimes that includes telling the school a donation won’t be forthcoming. Sometimes that means hearing grievances and lending a supportive ear. If I was involved and felt like the school was handling the process in an insensitive or in an indiscreet manner, I would definitely say something. Fortunately, I found the school I worked with was pragmatic and professional and realized that 100% participation was an unrealistic goal.