<p>I know legacy helps, and I have quite a bit of that already, but I was deferred. How about when they donate fellowships? One of my legacy-relatives donated one of the fellowships at the Radcliffe Institute. It’s even named after her (I suppose that follows logically). I’m already a pretty solid candidate, all upper or mid 700’s, heart-warming and funny essay, grades in the 90’s, leadership positions, and even a good interview. Do you think this will help put me over the top for RD time? I’m going to write a supplemental essay as well. These fellowships aren’t so cheap from what I hear, they’re supposed to provide thousands of dollars to the fellow they support. Any thoughts would be nice.</p>
<p>Depends on the relation of this relative to you, if she’s close, than I say it would certainly help your case. It will by no means make you a shoe-in (which no one is), but if you a competing for a spot with an another applicant with similar stats and EC’s, than it will obviously give you the edge.</p>