What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

How much do legacy preferences affect college admissions?

Hi everyone! I'm a junior and my parents both attended a prestigious university that I'm interested in applying to. How much does legacy status affect the admissions process? Should I mention it in my application? Thanks for any help!

a year ago

Hello! Legacy preferences can indeed play a role in college admissions, particularly at highly selective institutions. While the exact impact varies from college to college, having legacy status generally provides a slight advantage in the admissions process, as it may demonstrate a stronger commitment to the institution and a potential for continued family involvement. It's important to note, however, that legacy status is just one of many factors considered, and it won't guarantee your admission. Admissions officers still look for strong academic records, extracurricular involvement, and other personal qualities that make a candidate stand out. To answer your second question, yes, you should mention your legacy status in your application. Most colleges have a specific section on the application where you can indicate your familial connections to the institution, so be sure to fill that out accurately. Best of luck with your application process, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions!

a year ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.