Legacy--how significant?

<p>How significant is being a legacy at Cornell? Does the impact of the legacy hook increase based on the number of relatives that attended Cornell? (I am a triple legacy, great-grandparents and grandfather)Does it increase even more if one applies ED?</p>

<p>I read somewhere that legacy is more important if one applies early - something to the tune of “use it or lose it.” Also, I was under the impression that legacy only mattered if your parents went to the school (I know Cornell allows you to specify if your grandparents went there, but I don’t think it is as important as if your parents went there). </p>

<p>Empirical data says that having legacy is like having an extra 160 points on the SAT. Keep in mind though, that it isn’t a miracle worker - if you are pulling subpar stats, don’t expect to get in.</p>

<p>Legacies have a higher admit rate than non-legacies, but that could also be from a number of factors beyond that they’re legacy. Last year, legacy admit rate was around 35% (which meant 65% of legacies were not admitted).</p>

<p>Cornell legacy runs to great-grandparent. There are several fifth generation Cornellians, but I’ve never heard of a sixth-generation (Cornell is still relatively young). As stated in other areas, siblings do not make you a legacy.</p>

<p>Its simple, if one student is a valedictorian, 2400 sat, 4.0 GPA, legacy, and another is the same but non legacy, and there is only one spot to admit, well…I think you know where I’m going with this. Legacy won’t guarantee admission is a great tipping factor in a close decision.</p>