<p>Hey. Sorry if this sounds pretentious at all. I'm a junior right now and I'm strongly considering applying ED to UPenn next fall. Penn sticks out to me because of not only its well-known academic programs (Wharton), but it's notability in my recent family history. I have an uncle, who is a wharton alum, CEO of F500 company, donates approx $50k-100k/yr to the school, and there is an article about him in the Wharton magazine (just trying to signify his current relation to school). I also have several other family members who currently attend (his children). Even if he isn't a family member like a dad or grandfather, will his contributions and status have any boost in my admissions? Thanks</p>
<p>No, it won’t unless you have the same name and he specifically talks to admissions/ has donated a building or two. Focus on grades and test scores before you worry about where to apply ED next year. If you are strong enough academically, you may not be too dependent on his contributions</p>
<p>i’m a double legacy at penn, so i totally feel your pain about the whole trying to explain your situation w/o sounding pretentious thing. On the common app, it asks “Do you have any relatives who have attended Penn?” and "Are any of those relatives a parent, legal guardian, stepparent, or grandparent?"I would say if you don’t share a last name, either explicitly mention him in your essays, or try to go thru him and have him “talk” to someone. if they know your relation, you should be fine. probably. chance?</p>
<p>@empanada I actually just found out it’s useless. The common app doesn’t let you list their name if they aren’t a parent, legal guardian, stepparent, or grandparent. Oh well. I guess I can try and talk to him and see what he says.</p>