<p>I will be applying to UVA as a mid/high match. However, I have quite a unique hook there. As you probably know, Thomas Jefferson founded UVA. My middle name is Jefferson because Thomas Jefferson is my great great great great great(5x) uncle. There is a document called The Daughters of the American Revolution, and my grandmother’s name is listed, we have had the matter inspected legally and I am legally a direct descendant of Thomas Jefferson. So, should I write my essay either about this entirely or have maybe a paragraph dedicated to it? Will it make a difference?</p>
<p>Other question while I’m at it: I am a quadruple legacy at the University of Texas, do they care? Also a legacy at Boston College, do they care at all?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>Well, look at it this way . . . colleges are eager to accept legacy candidates because they don’t want to **** off wealthy alumni who regularly donate money. So, just do the math:</p>
<p>When was the last time Thomas Jefferson donated money to UVA?
When was the last time your quadruple legacy relatives at Texas donated money?
And when was the last time your Boston College relative donated money?</p>
<p>Now, I’m not saying this is an exact science . . . but for Thomas Jefferson, anyway, the answer you come up with is probably going to be pretty reliable.</p>
<p>Curious. How are you a “direct descendant” of your great (x5) uncle? I am directly descended from my grandparents, but not from any of my uncles. They are the siblings of people from whom I am directly descended. </p>
<p>Also, I agree about the “What have you done for me lately?” issue.</p>
<p>Okay. We all know how important “Mr Jefferson” is in parts of VA. I’ll just share this tale. During Jefferson’s lifetime, my kids’ great great grandfather was one of the first classes at a particular U. One day, feeling pretty ballsy, I called the school and asked if D1 should indicate she was a legacy. They mulled it over, got back to me with a yes.</p>
<p>The problem with UVA is there are no true high matches. Imo, you can’t even pretend to predict chances because of their interest in serving kids from all over the state. Maybe if you go to TJ, otherwise, even legacy kids with parents active in alum biz, great stats and rigor, can have trouble. I am afraid that, unless you, yourself, are somehow active in Jeffersonian activities, have accomplished something of impact, you will enter the vast pool with all the rest. And, DAR is not a document; it’s an organization. But, good luck, wonderful school.</p>
<p>I agree some x uncle isn’t a direct relationship, which legacy usually (officially) requires. DAR documents usually trace these direct lines, though a collateral relative can be mentioned, in passing. And, I don’t think I can even guess the number of college age people who must be related.</p>
<p>Actually only the top kids from TJ can predict their chances at UVA. As you said, the school needs to serve the entire state so it can’t just take the students from one HS.</p>
<p>^ and the TJ kids, off-they-go to study the humanities.</p>
<p>not a fan of the existence of TJ</p>
<p>OP~ yeah, put it in your essay. Write about it to your guidance counselor, perhaps they will mention it too in their recommendation. Don’t know if it would matter. It will demonstrate interest. Good Luck</p>
<p>As someone who has traced some of his family tree back to the time of Jefferson, I can tell you that any descendants of anyone from that time period can easily number in the hundreds. So being related to Jefferson, even though an uncle, would be rare, but hardly unique.</p>
<p>Now, if you could make a claim to the Hemings line, that might get you some points.</p>
<p>For purposes of admission, UVa considers a student a legacy if they have a parent who earned a degree, or a stepparent degree-holder if they reside in the same house. Legacy applications meeting this criteria are read with the in-state pool. </p>
<p>While your distant relationship with Jefferson would be an interesting launch point, the rest of your essay should speak directly to who YOU are. An essay about Jefferson would miss the mark, IMHO.</p>
<p>^^this is the point…do not make your essay about Jefferson. If you can use that angle to write about your family and yourself fine, but it’s a stretch. And you don’t even know what DAR is.</p>
<p>As an example, someone from a top notch school with the surname and direct legacy relation of Robert E. “Lee” was recently turned down from Washington and Lee!</p>