<p>Today, I found out that if you are a legacy (ie your parents went to the same school) you have a better chance. I know it isnt a deciding factor but it could help somebody who is borderline.</p>
<p>I am applying to UT Austin next year. My older brother and sister both are going to UT Austin currently. (By the time i apply, my brother will be at UC Berkeley for his Phd however) Assuming they ask for this information on my application, will it give any sort of edge? btw i KNOW its not a huge factor, just want to know if it could help. </p>
<p>If it matters, my brother is very well known in his dept (honors, deans scholar, published work, etc.)</p>
<p>By the books, no, it is completely meaningless. However, in reality, it could carry a tiny bit of weight. I mean, it’s more significant than NOT having a sibling there. Plus you have two. If anything, it can show some significant interest in the school. It really can’t mean enough to “help” noticeably at all though.</p>
<p>Maybe you can somehow use this to your advantage. If your brother knows someone high up, he could convince them to put in a good word for you. Who knows. Not really sure what you could do with that.</p>
<p>Legacy impacts are mostly seen at more exclusive schools and not at most public Us. The Common Data Set for UT states that alumni relations are not considered. <a href=“http://www.utexas.edu/academic/ima/sites/default/files/CDS_UT_Austin2010-11_FINAL.pdf[/url]”>http://www.utexas.edu/academic/ima/sites/default/files/CDS_UT_Austin2010-11_FINAL.pdf</a> That being said, it won’t hurt to mention it. The bigger question is are you in the top 8% of your class.</p>