<p>So it seems that in recent years, only children or siblings of Columbia attendees have been considered legacy. I don't know what the supplement looked like back then, but now it seems that they consider grandparents as well? Possibly even from Columbia graduate school (the drop down menus have "Bachelors" all the way to "Professional")? Please, correct me if I'm wrong.</p>
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[quote]
"Is a parent/guardian, sibling or grandparent a graduate of or currently attending Columbia University?"
<p>Uh, the closest answer to this that I have is that a friend of mine applied Early Decision with “legacy” (her mother attended the nursing school). She got flat out rejected. She now attends Northwestern U. So I don’t think that attending graduate schools count… but I’m not sure.</p>
<p>Of course, Columbia wants you to talk about connection you have to the school. But you’re only considered an actual “legacy” if one (or both) of your parents went to CC or SEAS.</p>
<p>Nothing, I’d assume. Connections to the school are not parallel with legacy. Columbia, honestly, just wants more money. Having a “legacy” family means more guaranteed Columbia students in that family (so more tuition fees) and a better probability of donations from that specific family. You knowing the dean of admissions really does nothing for them. At all.</p>
<p>I mean, if the connection were to pull a few strings (something completely unethical and disgusting) to secure admission, I’m sure that would have an effect. But the reason why legacy makes a student more likely to be accepted is very different than why connections would help a student.</p>