<p>does it really make a difference if both my father and grandfather went to Cornell University, even though they dont donate?</p>
<p>Can anyone answer this?</p>
<p>I believe that just having close relatives gives you a leg up over other applicants with the same qualifications. It probably helps more if they had donated a substantial amount of money but there are plenty of people (Including me) that would be more than happy if they just had regular legacy status.</p>