Is this "hook" worth mentioning and if so, how do we do it?

soozievt
Thu, 23 Sep 2010 20:27:23 +0000

Let’s not confuse legacy as some have given examples of that. In the OP’s case, albeit going back generations, the relative was a founder of the college, not just a graduate or donor. If the family is not still making huge donations, then it is also not a development case. However, there is some significance to being a descendent of one of the founders of the college. It is not the same as a legacy hook or a development case. But there is a history in the family with this school.

Many colleges have a “Who or what influenced your decision to apply to X college?” essay prompt. Even for schools that don’t have such a prompt, I think it is wise to include a very specific statement as to why a student wishes to attend. In your child’s case, he/she can weave into the Why X College essay statement how he/she has known of the school his/her whole life due to the legacy from his/her ancestors, “the XXX’s” who were one of the founders. Your child could weave in what he/she heard of the school growing up and what it would be like walking the halls of XXX hall named after his/her ancestors etc. and then focus on many specifics about the college that appeal to him/her and why it is a good match for him/her and why he/she is a good match for them, as any applicant should do.