<p>would having an uncle (dad's brother) who got his phd from columbia help me in any way whatsoever when applying to columbia? would a rec from him mean anything?</p>
<p>Many schools give some sort of boost to legacy applicants. Some ask for any relative who went, year and program, and relationship to you. Some only ask re parents. If you go to an info session, you can ask how they treat legacies - some will give you v specific info re what kind of admissions boost; some will be very vague. If you do ask, be sure to ask if grad school legacy counts the same as undergrad. I think (but am not sure) that may vary by school as well.</p>
<p>I do not think it's a good idea to have a rec from a relative, just because he went to the school. I think it would likely be a negative unless he gives them oodles of $$ and has a building named after him ;). Even in that case, a well-placed phone call would be the thing - your recs need to be from teachers who can speak to your work as a student and their observations of how you will perform in college.</p>
<p>thanks jmmom! (you've been quite a help these past few days!)</p>
<p>and what do you mean about the phonecall?</p>
<p>I mean if the uncle is in the category of a University Trustee, a major donor, has endowed a Faculty Chair, or whatever, he could call up the President and put in a word for you. Not highly likely for most folks :D.</p>
<p>ohh haha... yeah unforunately not my case!</p>