Another legacy question..when parent did not graduate.

[Anonymous]

Dad started college at a very top school. Lots of things happened...he did not do well for many reasons ..he left the school after several semesters. He went on to be a very successful person with high level degrees from different schools and is successful in his field. DC is considering applying to the school. Should he list Dad as a legacy? He has never made a donation (clearly)

[Anonymous]

If he did not graduate, then your family is not legacy. Legacy by definition implies that your parent graduated.

[Anonymous]

This was me. I did very poorly and was dismissed at the end of my second for poor academic performance. I transferred elsewhere and refocused, graduating magma cum laude a few years later. Long story.

Anyway, both my kids applied to my first school, and despite having excellent credentials and being accepted everywhere else they applied, neither was accepted. I am convinced it was my record that did them in. I felt awful about it, and it’s a secret I’ll take to my grave.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If he did not graduate, then your family is not legacy. Legacy by definition implies that your parent graduated.

Applications ask for family member degree received and "no degree" is a choice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This was me. I did very poorly and was dismissed at the end of my second for poor academic performance. I transferred elsewhere and refocused, graduating magma cum laude a few years later. Long story.

Anyway, both my kids applied to my first school, and despite having excellent credentials and being accepted everywhere else they applied, neither was accepted. I am convinced it was my record that did them in. I felt awful about it, and it’s a secret I’ll take to my grave.

Doubt it mattered. Let it go.

[Anonymous]

PP your kids were not denied admission to punish you. They were denied because they themselves weren't qualified.

As for OP's question, legacy by definition means "has a degree from." But, to be sure, look it up on the school's website, and if you can't find the answer there, email the admissions office and ask. Don't base your decision on DCUM's know-nothing advice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP your kids were not denied admission to punish you. They were denied because they themselves weren't qualified.

As for OP's question, legacy by definition means "has a degree from." But, to be sure, look it up on the school's website, and if you can't find the answer there, email the admissions office and ask. Don't base your decision on DCUM's know-nothing advice.

It is unlikely that they were unqualified if they got in at other schools, it is a lottery at the top schools.

Are your kids happy with where they went? Let it go.

[Anonymous]

Unless you are a consistent, ie every year since graduation, with increasing denominations, just being a graduate of a school isn't going to help, and increasingly, schools don't even bother with legacy preferences or at best for ED.

[Anonymous]

It’s all about money. Has he been a huge contributor?

[Anonymous]

OP again...we know that the application inquires about relatives (perhaps legacy was the wrong word) with no degree. He has never contributed. I am thinking we should have him apply anonymously.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Unless you are a consistent, ie every year since graduation, with increasing denominations, just being a graduate of a school isn't going to help, and increasingly, schools don't even bother with legacy preferences or at best for ED.

Simply not true. Not sure why you’re saying that. There’s plenty of research that demonstrates quite clearly the significant legacy advantage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This was me. I did very poorly and was dismissed at the end of my second for poor academic performance. I transferred elsewhere and refocused, graduating magma cum laude a few years later. Long story.

Anyway, both my kids applied to my first school, and despite having excellent credentials and being accepted everywhere else they applied, neither was accepted. I am convinced it was my record that did them in. I felt awful about it, and it’s a secret I’ll take to my grave.

Is part of the "long story" that you were diagnosed as a narcissistic personality? Because that's the only logical reason you would believe this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP your kids were not denied admission to punish you. They were denied because they themselves weren't qualified.

As for OP's question, legacy by definition means "has a degree from." But, to be sure, look it up on the school's website, and if you can't find the answer there, email the admissions office and ask. Don't base your decision on DCUM's know-nothing advice.

Rude poster.
You do realize that plenty of fully qualified kids are turned away from colleges all the time, right? Because they only take like 10% of the applicants.
You did know that?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unless you are a consistent, ie every year since graduation, with increasing denominations, just being a graduate of a school isn't going to help, and increasingly, schools don't even bother with legacy preferences or at best for ED.

Simply not true. Not sure why you’re saying that. There’s plenty of research that demonstrates quite clearly the significant legacy advantage.

Perhaps 10 years ago, but not any longer. The "top" schools are more focused on first generation college students and other priorities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unless you are a consistent, ie every year since graduation, with increasing denominations, just being a graduate of a school isn't going to help, and increasingly, schools don't even bother with legacy preferences or at best for ED.

Simply not true. Not sure why you’re saying that. There’s plenty of research that demonstrates quite clearly the significant legacy advantage.

Perhaps 10 years ago, but not any longer. The "top" schools are more focused on first generation college students and other priorities.

This is false. Legacy is still huge.