Does legacy help?

[cafeconleche]

My sibling went to my target ivy league business school, and graduated a few years ago. 

 

I'm wondering what everyone thinks about how that affects, if at all, my chances of getting in. My test score could be iffy, so I'm wondering if a factor such as this one could help. 

[Guest Gnome Chomsky]

Well, considering that most rich and famous people's kids go to Ivy Leagues, I would say it does. But I would say that's more on the undergrad level and more in the parent ==> child direction. Though it's lame to depend on family name. But that's just my opinion. 

[pqo309]

I think legacy is also dependent on how much money the family gives to the school.

[Loric]

If you just apply and i dunno.. mention it? Nope, not gonna help.

 

Now if your sibling knows someone who still works there and who is willing to put in a good word for you, be on the lookout for your app, talk to the movers and shakers and decision makers.. yes, that will help.

 

Just being related will not help. Having contacts due to that relation will.

[cafeconleche]

Thanks to all. Good food for thought. 

 

My bro doesn't necessarily have tight relations with anyone who still works there (although he's had good relationships with various professors and such), however this school has written emails to its alumni and asked them to recommend any good candidates. Do you think my bro should recommend me? Or is that stupid?

 

I also work with a current alumn and have several other friends that have gone to this school. So would it be better to have my brother fill out that referral form or a co-worker/friend?

 

Appreciate any advice!  

[lzs]

I'm not in your field, but generally recommendations from family members are frowned upon. They want to see more impartial recommendations. If you were an admissions officer, what would you find more persuasive, a letter saying, "I work with this person and I recommend them," or a letter saying, "I am this person's brother and I recommend them"?

[cafeconleche]

Oh, I'm definitely not having my sibling write the rec letter. The school just has this option of referring good candidates to have their applications personally read by adcom. Tis all. 

 

Thanks errbawdy.