Can money buy your child an acceptance to a highly selective college? Sometimes. America is, after all, a society that runs on cash. And we at Ivy Coach see nothing wrong with donors — the ones who make the financial aid of low-income students possible — getting something in return for their generosity. When it’s done right (i.e., for the benefit of educational institutions like Harvard or Stanford), philanthropy is a force for good in our society. But donors to prestigious schools, or even those considering making such a donation, should consider how to donate their money strategically to ensure their child can reap the benefits once they’re up for admission. It’s not just a matter of signing a check and securing a place for your child!

Let’s review the two kinds of donors that top admissions offices appreciate: major and loyal.

Major Donors and College Admissions

We’re not just talking about those who give in excess of $50,000. We’re not even talking about those who have $1,000,000 to spare. No, we’re talking about the major donors willing to part with $10,000,000 or more. That’s the level of giving that gets the attention of prestigious admissions offices. Take it from Yale, which distinguishes between major donors by increments up to $100,000,000 through their various donor societies. This is the big leagues, and the buy-in is no joke.

Moreover, if you have no connection to the school you plan on donating to — you’re not an alum, you don’t have kids enrolled there, you have no relationship with anyone on campus — no matter how large your donation is, it could go unappreciated. Admissions officers are used to parents donating a stray $1,000,000 in the years leading up to their child’s application, and they’ll see this gesture for what it is: an opportunistic attempt to buy your child’s way in!

Unless you have the cash required to really knock the socks off of your child’s prospective school, which should reach $10,000,000 at a bare minimum, your money is better spent elsewhere. We’re not saying you shouldn’t be applauded for your generosity, but if you think you’ll secure your child’s admission in return, you could have another thing coming.

Loyal Donors and College Admissions

The second type of donors admissions offices respond to are the loyal donors, the ones who have donated every year since their graduation (if they’re alums) or who have consistently donated large sums well before their child is up for consideration. Even if you can only muster up $500 annually, colleges appreciate your dedication and might give your child an admissions boost should they apply. But, as always, there are no guarantees for elite college admissions (even here at Ivy Coach!).

Believe it or not, admissions officers will print out a list of all the donations you’ve ever made when your child is up for consideration. If you’re picturing those old-school printer sheets with holes on both sides, you’re right on the money — even in 2024! They’ll assess the consistency of your giving and the amount, then decide whether it’s worth tipping the scales in favor of your child. However, it’s important to remember that the closer your child meets their standards for admission in their own right, the more likely they are to pull some strings. After all, your child’s qualifications and achievements are crucial in the admissions process.

Save Your Money and Help Secure Admission with Ivy Coach

Instead of throwing lots of money against the Ivied wall of your institution of choice and seeing what sticks, turn to Ivy Coach to optimize your child’s odds of admission via a compelling singular hook. These days, the students who have set themselves apart with a wonderfully unique pursuit, discipline, or cause are the ones who are the best at the elite college level. 

If you’re interested in letting our team of former elite college admissions officers guide your child to perfecting their application, fill out our complimentary consultation form, and we’ll be in touch with an outline of our services.