Hi, current junior here and was wondering about the impact of legacy on admissions. My parents and grandparents attended a certain private university and have donated in the 5 figures range. Would this university accept me early decision to keep the donations going?
It depends upon the college if they consider legacy in admissions. If they do, it will not offset weaknesses elsewhere in the application.
Unless the college has a very low endowment, total giving in the 5 figures will have no influence in the admissions outcome.
Legacy varies by college. If your stats are rock bottom your family will need to donate minimum of $5,000,000.
A five figure donation would not impress anyone.
Read Hurwitz. 5 figures is a big range. 5 figures isn’t much unless it’s at the top end of the range.
Looks like the OP is referring to Northwestern.
I am @GnocchiB. Any thoughts?
Northwestern is a top school; I think other posters were thinking that if you were referring to East Quinoa State, the 5 figure donations might have a greater impact. While I don’t know how Northwestern treats its legacies who apply RD first-hand, I do know that the legacy bump that comes with ED applications to Duke and Penn seems to go away if the alumni child applies RD. So you may want to factor that in to your analysis.
Well, the OP did say “private,” but yes, I was referring to a college less selective than Northwestern. In which case, 5 figure donations (which I interpreted as combined for both parents and cumulative since their graduations) will be meaningless. Annual 7 figure donations however…
In terms of legacy, Northwestern does value it, but as I stated upthread, they don’t value it enough if the grades and test scores are weak.
@skieurope do you think I’d get in early decision with strong stats (4.0 uw and 35 ACT) with president of a couple clubs and some awards?
First you would have to be academically qualified on your own merits. After that you can research if there is any bump for a legacy at the particular school you are talking about. A five figure donation is nice, but unless it is a small school with a small endowment, it won’t be a huge difference maker to the school.
I think it would be your best shot. But, as with any university with admissions rates hovering around 10% or below, there are no guarantees. You’re on the right track. Keep uo the good work and nail your essays. Good luck.
If you have no need to compare financial offers from different schools and if you have one definite top choice then ED is a great way to go.