<p>Legacy by no means guarantees automatic acceptance. It’s a hook, it will warrant a double look during the decision process but no promises. I’ve met plenty of parents and alumni of children where legacy did not take precedent in admissions. Rejections of this sort happen every year. Yes, the schools do like to accommodate families but they are building a class and the prospective students must be able to live up to the standards and academics of the school. Even if you pledge a million dollars, having a child struggle for four years is no pleasurable experience for the student or the school.</p>