Mention Family Connection?

[arch2014]

Hi Gradcafe,

 

I recently learned that my grandfather completed a PhD at one of the institutions I am applying to (albeit in a different department). I'm debating whether or not to mention this fact in my Statement of Purpose.

On one hand, I want to be evaluated on my own merits. I don't want to be perceived as attempting to garner nepotistic treatment. On the other hand, I want to ensure I am doing everything I can to make my application stand out. The institution in question is in the Ivy League and has the reputation of taking family connections into consideration. Whether that reputation is deserved, I do not know. 

 

Should I mention my family connection? Will it have a positive effect, negative effect or no effect at all? Is there a tactful way to mention this fact without seeming like an entitled brat?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[TakeruK]

I think this would be a terrible idea for graduate applications. Graduate admissions are very different from undergraduate admissions and while family connections may matter for the latter, trying to use them to get into a program will only hurt you for the former.

 

Think of it this way: a graduate student costs a ton of money -- especially at an expensive Ivy League school. If you were a professor, would you really use "grandchild of a former graduate" as one of the criteria for deciding which one of the applicants to invest several hundred thousand dollars of your research budget on? 

[juilletmercredi]

Why would this matter?  It has nothing to do with your own potential to complete your PhD and become a scholar in your field, and it will make you look as if you don't understand how graduate admissions works.

Many institutions value legacies for undergraduate programs because they want to build dynasties that give money, as well as school spirit and a sense of connectedness.  Graduate programs aren't worried about that, so alumni connections don't really mean much to them.