From the article: What are Legacy Admissions?
At the majority of colleges and university, legacy students receive preference in the college admissions process. When a child attends the same school as Mom or Dad, the loyalty to the school is often amplified, as are the gifts. When a college rejects a legacy student, it makes future gifts from the parent far less likely.
What should colleges do about legacy applicants? How can schools balance the need for financial gifts with a fair admissions policy? Share your thoughts below. Share Your Thoughts
Personal Statement are the Difference
- Including a personal statement with your college application can make the difference between getting accepted or not getting in to the college of your dreams. It's an exercise that is worth the time and effort you need to put into it. Don't make the mistake of thinking that your GPA and extracurricular activities and affiliation with someone in your family who went to the college will speak for themselves.
- —Guest Michael Gluckstern
No
- Let's face it: legacy admissions are done for the sake of business, not enriching the academics of the school. Any university who claims that their goal is to admit the most talented student body possible should not do legacy admissions. Even "prop 48 athletes" had to work hard at their particular sport in order to gain a scholarship to college. What did legacy students do to obtain their preference? Nothing. It undermines the whole idea that college admissions is a meritocracy. Legacy admissions is a dubious, unfair practice at best, and an encouragement of outright bribery at worst. The only argument I can think of in favor of legacy is that it buys better equipment for the rest of the students, but I'm sure the Harvards and Yales can raise money some other way.
- —Guest James
Legacy OK
- Even though my children won't be able to get into the school of their dreams because of this - I didn't go to them.... This is more acceptable than the prop 48 athlete that gets in to a prestigous school.
- —Guest Mike in Michigan
