Does anyone have information on how much of a difference being a legacy applicant can make for Cornell admissions? Trying to set realistic expectations.
Legacy status can indeed play a role in college admissions, including at Cornell University. While it's not the defining factor for acceptance, legacy applicants—those with family members who've attended the institution—might receive a bit of attention during the application review process. Cornell has a history of considering legacy as one of many factors in holistic admissions, as it may suggest a continued family commitment to the university. The impact can vary year by year based on the institution’s objectives and the overall applicant pool.
However, it's still crucial that legacy applicants meet the high academic and extracurricular expectations set by such selective institutions. If you bring a robust profile to the table and are also a legacy, it possibly could give you a slight edge. But without the solid academic and extracurricular foundations, legacy status alone won't carry an application. Overall, while beneficial, legacy is an enhancement to an already competitive application, not a golden ticket.
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