Can a rich guy get into college easier?

Question

What Im traying to ask is:
colleges care about how capable are you of paying...?

Let say an average student, but capable of paying his entire education and even donate some stuff to the university;
can get in an Ivy league school?

Answer 1

Admissions officers will claim that this isn't a factor...but I'd imagine that all things being equal (meaning two applicants are virtually identifical in terms of desirability), the person who can pay would be preferred over the one who needs financial aid/grants, etc. I've heard "insiders" say that it indeed comes into play occasionally... but certainly isn't the first thing looked at.

In fact, another school of thought is that admissions officers may resent people who have had everything handed to them, who haven't had to work, who should have the finest "prep" courses available to them, etc. They look at one's credentials framed that way...e.g. top scores, etc. are expected from those in the upper socio-economic levels...if they aren't there, the candidate is considered lazy or not very bright, etc. They might be more inclined to favor someone who's clearly worked harder to get where they are. Jobs, first in family to attend college, clearly no money for prep classes, etc.... schools like that.

Answer 2

Parental influence (donors, alumni, corporate sponsorships) can help gain acceptance for a student who might not otherwise make the cut. And this probably doesn't just happen at private, Ivy league schools. I went to a state school known for agricultural programs. Lotta parents donating combines, cattle, and such!

My guess is that a person who had that level of an "in" with the University wouldn't need to ask. And in theory, the acceptance process (for the rest of us) doesn't consider ability to pay. They are considering the "diversity" and "character" of the student body. An average student who
showed initiative, like setting up and operating a charity, gathering donated supplies to support a 3rd world orphanage, creating a web campaign on a topic of interest, using MySpace to mobilize other young people for a good cause would gain points for "character". This could help the student stand out from other like-wise well-heeled students looking to attend an ivy-league school.

Answer 3

Money is important in regards to getting into school, for cost is a big factor. However, it isn't the only factor. Just because a student is extremely wealthy doesn't mean they're guaranteed an acceptance. The student must also be able to fulfill the school's academic requirements. In fact, academic skill and status is established before a school even knows if you're able to pay for school or not. So with this said, a student can have all the money in the world but if they posses a 2.0 GPA when the school requires a 3.0 GPA, chances are they won't be accepted.

Answer 4

A rich guy can get into classes easier, most definitely; However, he must get good grades and complete the relevant prerequisites in order to attend an Ivy League University.

Donations of some sort to a University is regarded as charity or in negative context, bribery.

Answer 5

If you are capable of paying your way through an Ivy League school you aren't middle class..........

Remember there is such a thing as a legacy.

Answer 6

Generally a rich person has fairer chances because he doesn't fall into financial debit no matter how high the fees are but if the guy doesn't have brains then it may still be difficult to get into the top schools........unless he comes from a famous family.

Answer 7

True like Paris Hilton can go to any college even if she never passes the exam. But thats why you have all these rich kids going to colleges drinking and partying until the next day...why try when you have money? But some rich people are ok...some if any.

Answer 8

As long as youre rich and donate a lot of money to the school, the school will probably let you in because they rely on money in tuition to keep the collge running. Then an average student who's brillaint will get in too.

Answer 9

how exactly do you think kids get into ivy league schools.

Their rich fathers get them in. If you are an unknown and are trying to get into Harvard, forget it. The kids that go to Harvard aren't the children of nobodies.

Answer 10

Students from less than affluent families are admitted through "need-blind" admissions policies. You are admitted based on standardized test scores, essays, interviews, and school activities. After admission the universtiy "scholarships" the student according to need, but requires them to contribute from savings, loans and employment. They admit many students who are not from affluent families, but they don't admit average students.