<p>If my father and his brother both went to columbia and donated money how much better would my chance be of getting in?</p>
<p>marginally. unless they donated a lot of money.</p>
<p>but assuming achievement (intelligence, work ethic, etc.) runs in the family, I think your chances are fine.</p>
<p>Columbia isn’t that well-known (or notorious, should I say) for legacy admissions.</p>
<p>It depends on what college your father attended. If he was in one of the undergraduate schools, it will give you a little bit of extra consideration. If he went to one of the graduate schools–Law, Business, Physicians and Surgeons–then not so much. There are many, many alumni from those schools.</p>
<p>If Columbia College or SEAS, then the tip is significant. It’s all about yield (will you go if they accept you?). If you apply ED, then the advantage is enough to outweigh a shortcoming that would normally torpedo an unhooked applicant.</p>
<p>my dad and uncle both went to undergraduate and graduate school there, medical school and business school
would it help to know how much he donated? or is that inappropriate?</p>
<p>There is always a section to fill out about family who went to the school. I’m sure the Columbia will look up their donations if it truly means anything to the ad com.</p>
<p>it should help your why-columbia blurb, too, as you can say that since you were little, you’ve been enchanted by the stories your father and uncle have told you about their years at Columbia… [insert example or two]</p>