<p>Right, so… I’m applying to Wharton, and while I have a ton of stuff to say about why I want to go there, I think, in all honesty, a part of my decision has to do with the fact that my father went there. Not that I have any pressure from him what-so-ever to apply (he wants me to go to Williams), but we’re practically the same person: we think the same way, act the same way, and have loads of other similarities. The fact that he loved Wharton gives me an added comfort that it’s really the right place for me.</p>
<p>Still, I don’t want adcoms to think that I’m just another legacy applying because her father went there. I do love the school regardless of where my dad went, but my father’s good experience with the school has definitely provided an extra comfort to me in knowing that it’s a place I’d like to be.</p>
<p>What do all of you think–safer to just keep my father out of my essay, or risk it? If any of you are legacies that applied early, did you mention your legacy status in your essay?</p>
<p>Dont say BECAUSE my father went there, but perhaps something to the tune of "As my father attended Wharton, from what he has told me it only confirms..." yadda yadda yadda. Nothing to focus upon but you could throw it in.</p>
<p>When I applied, I put my prospective major as biochem (an interdisciplinary program). My dad got his PhD from Penn in another interdisciplinary program. He wanted me to put some of his info in, to add the fact that I am a legacy. I did not add in the stuff about my dad because I felt that it did not say much about me. IMO, you should not mention your father. While the fact that he went to Penn may comfort you a little, you don't want an adcom to think that you wish to follow in your father's footsteps, or that you do not want to go on your own path in life.</p>
<p>My dad.. doesn't really donate, but he does have other sorts connections at Wharton specifically...</p>
<p>I'm not really looking for legacy to help me more if I mentioned my dad. Really, I'm just looking to be completely honest about why I could see myself there. But, venkater, what you said makes sense, only I guess the difference between me and you is that I think adding a few details about my dad does say more about me than it does about him, if that makes any sense. Definitely don't want adcoms getting the wrong impression, however, which is why I'm hesitant.</p>