<p>There are the already stated benefits of being a Harvard sibling such as also possibly being a legacy, being one of the children of development parents, having famous parent(s) etc. but absent these, there are intangible benefits as well. Siblings benefit from knowing more about admissions strategies into Harvard, essays that have worked, and having a place to stay on campus while they visit so they are more in touch with what the school is all about. They can more easily visit departments and may even meet professors through their attending sibling. </p>
<p>There is also a Parent Fund that is specifically for parents to donate to Harvard even though they themselves are not legacies. Some parents can choose to become very active and even join the Leadership Council which may add another feather. Finally, colleges like to have family clusters if they can. It does engender loyalty to the school. Parents are more likely to donate to a school where more than one child has attended (so to, the children after they graduate). Admissions officers do take note if a sibling has or is attending. I believe they can access the older siblings application for up to three years but I may be wrong about this.</p>
<p>On another note, I wish we could stop using the “feather on a scale” catchphrase (I know I am guilty too). It implies that the effect is present but almost undetectable. If that were so, why is anyone (including admissions officers) even talking about it? The reality is that with so many pairs of siblings at the school, the statistical odds of this occurring imply much more than just a feather.</p>