At my alma mater, it is suggested that any extra consideration due to legacy status is only done in the early decision round.

Harvard counts parents (not grad schools) but only if you have given big bucks, usually in the seven digits.

Notre Dame counts parents and grandparents and both graduate and undergraduate degree holders.

Some schools look at family connections in the context of why X school. They also might consider other types of connection- parent who works at the school, grandfather a professor emeritus, etc. Jeff Selingo’s book talks about this.

Anonymous wrote:Do schools consider stepparents as a legacy? Thinking specifically of William & Mary. I did try to research this but didn't find a clear answer.

I don’t know but UVA does. Also counts grad programs.

Anonymous wrote:UVA counts only parents, including stepparents, but not grandparents, aunts/uncles, or cousins.

Correct. Alumni relations oftentimes has this information and other good information about whether or not your child’s application is competitive, even with a legacy hook. Part of their work is to give a soft denial for those who are unlikely to be admitted. I think UVA’s Alumni relations offers this service. To know for sure, call the school that applies to you.

UVA counts only parents, including stepparents, but not grandparents, aunts/uncles, or cousins.

It is really school by school. Some will count law school if Dad or Mom went there for undergrad legacy. Others will not. Schools that really put a value on legacy will cast the net a little broader often. But really school specific. Admissions people will tell you.

Also -- some schools care about giving over the years -- not just the last few before DC applies. Others not so much.

Do schools consider stepparents as a legacy? Thinking specifically of William & Mary. I did try to research this but didn't find a clear answer.

The answer to OP's question will vary significantly by school. Some count only parents. Some count parents and grandparents. Some count only undergraduate degree for legacy. Some will count a degree from any program (undergrad, professional, graduate). Some only provide a legacy benefit for ED applications.

Best bet is to look on the school website and also google "school name legacy" and see what you get.

Most won't count grandparents, but some might. The college would ask in their college-specific questions about family who attended. Most will not count the aunt.

This is a good question. I have wondered if it's only parents and siblings, or you can put others down.

Also note: graduate programs usually don't count.

You might want to name the school here so people can let you know their specific experience with it and legacies.

Colleges that care will ask. (And there's a place on common app to list where parents went to school.)

"When you list the relations who make you a legacy, try to stick to the closest and strongest ties. Colleges care most about direct relations, like parents. Siblings, aunts and uncles, and grandparents are also considered, but these are usually thought of as less important."

https://blog.collegevine.com/when-and-where-to-identify-that-youre-a-legacy-student-in-the-application-process/

New to college process: DD is considering applying to the university her grandfather and aunt attended many years ago. Would it help with admissions? If so, how would one indicate that? This university uses the common app. Thanks.