Multiple Siblings Applying

I have heard rumors that colleges are more likely to accept one twin (assuming similar levels of academic and extracurricular achievement) if they have already accepted the other twin, as they do not want to break the family dynamic. Is this true for even the most elite universities (Harvard, Stanford, etc.)? I’ve heard that Duke especially takes twins into special consideration when making decisions.

Whoa, I’ve never heard of that! As a twin, that would be super. I know it’s helpful for aid, but not much else. I’d love to hear more. BUMP

I have never heard of that. “Breaking up family dynamic” seems like BS if you ask me.

@anxiousenior1 Here is the page that I was reading (doesn’t look like a credible website but if you look up twins and college admissions then you will find similar things): http://mycollegeguide.org/blog/12/2009/college-admission-tips-twins-triplets-multiple-siblings/

And here is a passage from that article:

“Many schools admit that, when they see siblings with similar grades and test scores, they feel compelled to issue the same admissions decision to each one, as they’re conscious of family dynamics. So, if your academically equal twin sister gets into Harvard, you’re likely to get in as well.”

I would assume admissions officers are sensitive to these types of situations (not to say they wouldn’t have any problem accepting one sibling and denying the other).

I have no credible sources, but I think there’s a reason that every school on the CommonApp asks something along the lines of “Are any siblings also applying for undergraduate admission?”

@golfcashoahu Yes I have noticed that schools ask that too, which suggests to me that colleges truly do consider siblings both as individuals and as a “package.”

Hey guys, I don’t know too much about the common app, but it’s possible that could be for financial reasons, not admissions.

@strivingforanivy I agree that it could be for financial reasons. I also think it could be for admissions, or even to make sure that two people are applying to the school in that year since twins often have very similar names.