Understanding Legacy Admissions

Hi, everyone! I've been hearing a lot about 'legacy admissions.' How do they work, and do they really give you a significant advantage when applying? Thanks in advance!

Hi! Legacy admissions refer to the practice where colleges and universities give preferential treatment to applicants who have a family connection to the institution, usually through a parent or, less commonly, a grandparent who is an alumnus/alumna. This connection is considered part of the applicant's "demonstrated interest" in the school, which can play a role in an applicant's chances of admission. However, the significance of being a legacy applicant varies greatly between institutions.

At some schools, legacy status can provide a moderate advantage, particularly during Early Decision or Early Action application rounds. Applying ED or EA as a legacy can improve an already strong applicant's chances of admission. However, legacy alone can seldom turn a weak application into a successful one. It's crucial to remember that admissions are still primarily based on an applicant's academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities.

Other institutions may give only minimal consideration to legacy status or not consider it at all in the admissions process.

Applicant pools and institutional priorities differ from year to year, which can also influence the weight given to legacy status. Colleges are gradually shifting towards more holistic admission processes that emphasize the diversity of their student body, including considering socio-economic background, first-generation college students, and other factors. As a result, the impact of legacy admissions might continue to decrease over time.

To sum up, legacy status might give you a slight to moderate advantage at some schools, especially if you're applying early. However, it is essential to maintain strong academics, extracurriculars, and personal qualities to ensure a competitive application overall.