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If I happened to be a direct descendant of the brother (same parents) of the founder of a T-14 university, should I include it in my personal statement for transfer? I feel like I can turn this into a compelling argument for admission, but I want other opinions.

Also, what kind of boost, if any, do you think it would give me with my numbers? Think non-HYS.
Im a 3.8, Ranked 2 of 180+ at a TTT.

I figure I need all the help I can get and just want to know if it's worth using this to my advantage.

Thanks.

So your great-great-uncle is James Duke? I don't know how much of a boost you'll get but it seems worth mentioning. You probably have a shot at lower T14 with your numbers alone, anyway.

It would be for Penn.

That's a new one. I'm kind of interested to see what people will say.

If you're absolutely positive of this and can prove it, then I'd call their admissions office and see if they think that would be something they might like to know about. If you do include it, just make sure you do it in a way that says "I really want to go to Penn bc..." and not "I feel I am entitled to an admissions boost bc..."

maf70 wrote:It would be for Penn.

Being a direct descendant of Ben Franklin (edit: Ben Franklin's brother) is just fucking cool all by itself.

lawloser22 wrote:If you're absolutely positive of this and can prove it, then I'd call their admissions office and see if they think that would be something they might like to know about. If you do include it, just make sure you do it in a way that says "I really want to go to Penn bc..." and not "I feel I am entitled to an admissions boost bc..."

This is what I was planning on doing. I thought I might be able to use it for a really unique/ cool intro that might get their attention. Also, I dont know how to substantiate it other than by adding the part of my family tree that traces it directly back. Maybe add this as an addendum?

maf70 wrote:

lawloser22 wrote:If you're absolutely positive of this and can prove it, then I'd call their admissions office and see if they think that would be something they might like to know about. If you do include it, just make sure you do it in a way that says "I really want to go to Penn bc..." and not "I feel I am entitled to an admissions boost bc..."

This is what I was planning on doing. I thought I might be able to use it for a really unique/ cool intro that might get their attention. Also, I dont know how to substantiate it other than by adding the part of my family tree that traces it directly back. Maybe add this as an addendum?

You don't have to give them the evidence up front. You would have to be monumentally stupid to claim this if it's not true. If they want verification, they will ask for it.

This is the best "soft" for transfer admissions I have ever heard of!!!

You gotta report back on this thread later on and let us know what they said/how it worked out!

I emailed Penn and they agreed that it would be a good idea to add an addendum. I'll let everyone know how it goes.

maf70 wrote:I emailed Penn and they agreed that it would be a good idea to add an addendum. I'll let everyone know how it goes.

QFThey'reF*****gWithYou. But please do report back.

"My family has a deep and long-standing relationship with this wonderful University. Many years ago, Benjamin Franklin, or great great granddaddy Benny, as I fondly know him, decided to..."

dakatz wrote:"My family has a deep and long-standing relationship with this wonderful University. Many years ago, Benjamin Franklin, or great great granddaddy Benny, as I fondly know him, decided to..."

lulz.

I wish I had something like this for an ivy man because in this economy every little bit helps!

j7108 wrote:I wish I had something like this for an ivy man because in this economy every little bit helps!

Exactly what I was hoping for. Thanks for the response.

Just FYI, Ben Franklin wasn't the founder of Penn Law (that would be James Wilson).

lolok wrote:Just FYI, Ben Franklin wasn't the founder of Penn Law (that would be James Wilson).

Wiki says he is. Shrug.

Benjamin Franklin, Penn's founder, advocated an educational program that focused as much on practical education for commerce and public service as on the classics and theology.

Tanicius wrote:

lolok wrote:Just FYI, Ben Franklin wasn't the founder of Penn Law (that would be James Wilson).

Wiki says he is. Shrug.

Benjamin Franklin, Penn's founder, advocated an educational program that focused as much on practical education for commerce and public service as on the classics and theology.

Penn website says he is the founder, so I'm gonna go with that

lolok wrote:Just FYI, Ben Franklin wasn't the founder of Penn Law (that would be James Wilson).

James Wilson founded the law school (not the university) and was their first law professor.

Do your research yo.

Check it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University ... Law_School

Also, I was nominated for the James Wilson scholarship at Penn, and the e-mail clearly stated that Wilson was the founder of the law school. Franklin's the founder of the university, though.

EDIT: Being related to either of them is still pretty cool though.

lolok wrote:Check it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University ... Law_School

Also, I was nominated for the James Wilson scholarship at Penn, and the e-mail clearly stated that Wilson was the founder of the law school. Franklin's the founder for the university, though.

lolok.

lolok wrote:Check it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University ... Law_School

Also, I was nominated for the James Wilson scholarship at Penn, and the e-mail clearly stated that Wilson was the founder of the law school. Franklin's the founder of the university, though.

EDIT: Being related to either of them is still pretty cool though.

You told him.

Wait.

maf70 wrote:

lolok wrote:Just FYI, Ben Franklin wasn't the founder of Penn Law (that would be James Wilson).

James Wilson founded the law school (not the university) and was their first law professor.

Do your research yo.

lolok wrote:Check it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University ... Law_School

Also, I was nominated for the James Wilson scholarship at Penn, and the e-mail clearly stated that Wilson was the founder of the law school. Franklin's the founder of the university, though.

EDIT: Being related to either of them is still pretty cool though.

I'm still not sold.

never said he founded the law school.

i concede the point that james wilson founded the law school. you can find it on their law school's website.

also, ben franklin is better.

I doubt that you'd get much of a boost, if you get one at all. Does your family contribute to the university or law school in any way? Are your parents or grandparents on a roster of notable people associated with the school? Are you in contact with the other people claiming to be descendants of the more famous brother? What you seem to expect is a legacy admission nod despite not having any recent connection to school. Why didn't you use this when you were applying for 1L?