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I'm not from the US, so I never got it - why do people donate to schools they got degree from? The degree wasn't free (usually very far from it), they weren't done a favor that they now need to repay. Anyone care to enlighten me? Do the donations open doors to some elite alumni club?

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At most private schools donations are a way to ensure your children have a better chance of getting into the same school. Legacy students at Harvard for example have about 33% chance of being admitted vs the overall acceptance rate of 4.6%.

Ah! Also not from the US... now that makes sense!

But from your numbers, what's the split in child acceptance rate between "former student" vs "former student who donates"?

And now I'm even more curious, what's an average rough donation amount to hold onto this "reserved spot"?

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