<p>Hey there! I'm a legacy of the fine institution of the University of Pennsylvania. My dad cherishes the education he got there, but he isn't a benefactor. I hear people talk about how being a legacy is a "hook." But I would like to know, does being a legacy really only improve your chance of admission if your parent is a benefactor? It seems like that might be the case. I mean what does the school really gain from giving a legacy an edge in admission unless they're getting something back (something besides a potentially brilliant student)? Is having students identify themselves as legacies really only a way for any university--not just Penn--to sift out the children of those who have given back to the school, and only then factor this "legacy hook" into their decision? I'm probably wrong, but tell me if you think I'm on to something, if perhaps I am seeing right through those admissions officers.</p>
<p>You don’t have to be a benefactor—however, you MUST apply Binding Early Decision for the legacy factor to weigh in at Penn Admissions. It is stated many times by admissions officers—legacy weight only counts in the ED round.</p>
<p>^^ right, legacy does count but only for ED. It’s a small, but significant boost in admissions.</p>