The dean's interest list is apparently family of top donors to Harvard.

Interesting paper on Harvard admissions looking at ALDC preferences (recruited Athletes, Legacies, those on the Dean’s interest list, and Children of faculty and staff). Over 43% of white applicants to Harvard are ALDC applicants, whereas for other races the share is less than 16% for each. According to the paper's model, 74% of the white ALDC students would not be admitted if ALDC preferences were removed.

Recruited athletes have the highest admissions rate at 86% versus 6% for non-athletes. Legacies have a rate of 34% versus 6% for non-legacies. For Dean's List, 42% versus 6%. For children of faculty or staff, 47% versus 7%.

Interestingly Asian ALDC applicants benefit substantially from ALDC preferences as well. With those preferences removed 69% of Asian ALDC students would not be admitted. But only 15% of Asian applicants are ALDC students.