<p>Would letting Cornell know that my uncle is in the Athletic Hall of Fame at Cornell increase my odds of getting in?</p>
<p>and who might this uncle be? </p>
<p>it could definitely be a hook if your uncle were to commit himself to fund raise for cornell…</p>
<p>I always think this kind of stuff does, because it creates a plausible reason for them to believe that you really want to go to Cornell in particular (as opposed to just any Ivy that accepts you), will actually attend if admitted, will stay at least 4 years if you do attend, will bring a passion for the university that will inspire everyone around you while you’re there, and you will give generously for many years as an alumni. All of which are in doubt with most applications. Many kids will apply to 15 different “big name” schools, many of which they’re never even visited or don’t know the first thing about.</p>
<p>There’s no reason NOT to tell them…</p>
<p>Don’t see why you shouldn’t, it can’t really hurt your chances and may serve as a legacy of sorts, especially considering that he was kind of a big deal there.</p>