I know someone where I am applying

[NAUAlum911]

My cousin works at the school that I am applying to. Do I mention this in the SOP? Or do this somewhere else? Or just tell my cousin to put in a good word for me?

 

Thanks in advance!

[silver_lining]

No, do not mention it in your SoP. This will not get you admitted. Sometimes there is a question on the application that asks if any relatives work at the school. However, if this question is not asked don't bring it up. 

[sarab]

No, don't mention it. You definitely want to get in based on your own merit and fit. Good luck!

[Admissions Advice Online]

This depends. Is your cousin faculty or do they work in the cafeteria? Are they somehow involved in the field that you want to study? If so, weaving him/her into the SOP might be beneficial. -Admissions Advice Online 

[TakeruK]

In my opinion, you should not mention this at all in your application. No department wants to be accused of admitting family members of current employees.

 

If your cousin does not work in a research related role in the same department that you are applying to, then your connection to your cousin is not useful/relevant at all. Same if your cousin has no information about your ability as a researcher/graduate student. If your cousin is research staff/faculty in the department you are applying to, and your cousin knows about your ability as a researcher in some way, then the best case scenario is if the profs on the committee ask around about you / pass your profile around, then your cousin can put in a good word.

 

But at this point, it doesn't matter that this person is your cousin anymore. The real benefit comes from the fact that someone close to the department knows about your research ability. This same benefit can be realised if you had collaborated with someone at the school before etc. 

 

So, ultimately, the fact that your cousin is also at the same school will provide zero benefits. What matters is whether or not there is someone in the department who can give a fair and positive endorsement of your talent.