<p>A few months back I inquired as to whether legacy is considered in the admissions process and the general thought was no by those who responded. Today I came across that question on the U. of I. website, counselor faq's, and they said that legacy can be considered. Obviously it is not given the weight of grades or test scores but it is considered a plus.</p>
<p>I attended an admissions program a few years back when my daughter was considering Illinois. When asked about the benefits of being a legacy, the admission counselor said that due to the sheer number of IL alums it was impossible for the university to offer preferential treatment to their children or grandchildren.</p>
<p>Now, do I think that the child or grandchild of an alum that gives a "substantial" monetary donation to the school will be viewed in a more favorable light? Probably.</p>
<p>I totally agree but just found it odd that in two locations on the the Illinois site, one being from Oscar an Illinois counselor, they say that they do consider it a plus.</p>
<p>Actually, a few years back that was not part of the application. They said they have since added it as part of the application and indeed we did have to answer where my husband and I obtained our degrees when my son applied this year.</p>
<p>Official policy seems to still be no legacy consideration and that is what I have been told. However, they added the legacy question to the app this year so the fact they added it likely means something. However, it may just be for further statiscal gathering purposes (e.g., to see percent who apply and have legacy). Oscar seems to say it is a plus but avoids saying anything specific and by the time I finished reading his comment I am not sure he really said anything at all.</p>
<p>It is also asked and answered on the U. of. I. website under counselor faq's. Simply says that it can be considered. I was just surprised to see it addressed at all as I had always heard it definitely had no impact.</p>
<p>I guarantee that legacy matters at Illinois. My son (no Illinois affilation) had a little higher GPA with more AP classes, a little lower ACT score , but did take SAT and did better on that which equaled ACT score of kid down the block who's dad went to Illinois and has numerous friends on boards and other connections. Guess which kid was admitted to Illinois and which was denied. It all worked out though, my kid is at Wisconsin and doing great and his kid is miserable at Illinois even though mine is paying out of state tuition.</p>