<p>I applied to USC and I have extensive legacy there (I also wrote about the family tradition there in one of my short answers)</p>
<p>-Uncle that is in the second highest level of donation
-Mom
-2 Great Aunts
-4 Cousins all already graduated</p>
<p>I’ve read that legacy can be amazingly helpful and also that it can only be slightly helpful…whats the real story?</p>
<p>It depends on the school. I have no idea about USC. Your uncle’s giving could be very helpful.</p>
<p>Second highest level for what? Overall giving to the school, giving for his class or somewhere inbetween? If he gives 7 figures it will help a lot, even if you’re less than totally qualified. If he gives $50K it will help if you’re totally qualified.</p>
<p>I’m guessing that its 6 figures about, and I am pretty well qualified I would say.</p>
<p>-Middle 50% for the SAT’s
-Very good EC’s (student council, two varsity sports, 500 hrs. comm. service)
-My GPA is a weakness but is somewhat explained by a letter about my mom being in and out of the hospital throughout high school because I had to assume all of her household responsibilities and stuff</p>
<p>Hopefully your uncle has some pull. GPA/rank is the most important single factor. USC is really trying to raise standards and they want top 10%.</p>
<p>Make sure he’s contacted development to chat about his future gifts!</p>
<p>haha, ill ask him about that…I forgot to include that he also sent me a recommendation letter if that helps.</p>
<p>Woah…your uncle sent your rec letter? Most of the time they want letters from people outside of the family to avoid bias and that stuff. Hopefully that wasn’t your only letter of rec.</p>
<p>oh no haha, it was definitely an additional one, I got two others, one from AP Calc. teacher and one from AP US history teacher</p>
<p>I wouldn’t do the letter either, these things are handled through the backdoor with development people.</p>