articles details

Legacy admissions—when colleges give preference to applicants with family ties to alumni—have been a long-standing practice in higher education. Supporters argue that legacy status helps maintain strong alumni relationships and promotes school traditions, while critics claim it gives an unfair advantage to wealthier applicants and limits access for first-generation students. With growing debate over fairness in college admissions, many students and families wonder just how much legacy status actually matters.

How Legacy Admissions Work

Legacy admissions policies vary by institution. At some schools, legacy status applies only if a parent attended as an undergraduate, while others extend the preference to grandparents, siblings, or even aunts and uncles. In most cases, legacy preference does not guarantee admission but serves as a small advantage in a holistic review process.

Colleges that continue to prioritize legacy applicants often justify the practice by emphasizing its role in promoting alumni engagement and increasing donations. Many universities rely on strong alumni networks for fundraising, and families with multiple generations of graduates are more likely to make financial contributions. Some schools argue that maintaining traditions and loyalty among alumni families strengthens their overall institution.

How Much of an Advantage Do Legacy Applicants Have?

Studies suggest that legacy applicants have higher acceptance rates than non-legacy students, but the level of impact varies by school. At highly selective institutions, legacy status can provide a meaningful boost—though it is rarely enough to secure admission on its own.

For example, a study by Harvard University revealed that legacy students were admitted at nearly four times the rate of non-legacy applicants. Research has also shown that at many elite private colleges, legacy status can function as the equivalent of adding extra points to an SAT score or shifting an applicant into a more favorable admissions category.

That said, legacy preference is just one factor among many. A student with weak academic credentials is unlikely to be admitted solely because of family connections. At competitive schools, strong grades, test scores, extracurriculars, and essays remain the most crucial components of an application.

At public universities, legacy status tends to matter far less, as these institutions prioritize access for in-state students and a broader applicant pool. Many public schools do not consider legacy preference at all, focusing instead on merit-based admissions.

Is Legacy Preference Fading?

Legacy admissions have come under increasing scrutiny in recent years, particularly in discussions about equity and access. Critics argue that the practice primarily benefits wealthier, predominantly white applicants, making it harder for first-generation and underrepresented students to gain admission.

Several colleges have responded to these concerns by eliminating or reducing legacy preferences. Schools like Johns Hopkins University, Amherst College, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have discontinued the practice, emphasizing merit-based admissions instead. Some institutions have also adjusted their policies to weigh legacy status less heavily than in previous years.

The Supreme Court’s 2023 decision striking down race-conscious admissions policies has further fueled discussions about fairness in college admissions. Many universities are reassessing their admissions criteria, including whether legacy status aligns with their commitment to diversity and inclusion. As a result, more schools may move away from legacy preferences in the future.

Should You Rely on Legacy Status?

While being a legacy can provide a small advantage at some colleges, it is not a guaranteed pathway to admission. Students should focus on building a strong application rather than assuming legacy status will carry them through.

Colleges still prioritize academic performance, extracurricular involvement, leadership, and personal qualities over family connections. Strong essays, meaningful community contributions, and demonstrated passion for a particular field of study will weigh more heavily than legacy ties alone.

For students without legacy status, there is no need to feel discouraged. Many colleges are placing less emphasis on legacy admissions, and factors such as resilience, intellectual curiosity, and unique life experiences often carry more weight in admissions decisions. In fact, as more institutions move away from legacy preferences, applicants who stand out due to their personal achievements may have an even greater advantage.

The Future of Legacy Admissions

As higher education shifts toward more inclusive admissions practices, the role of legacy status is likely to diminish. Colleges are under growing pressure to ensure fairness in their selection processes, and the trend of eliminating legacy preferences may continue in the coming years.

For now, legacy status still matters at certain institutions, but it is only one small piece of a much larger and more complex admissions puzzle. Rather than relying on family connections, students should focus on crafting strong applications that highlight their achievements, character, and potential contributions to their chosen school.