legacy admissions: a backlash
This summer, there’s been a lot of buzz around college admissions, who gets in, and who doesn’t. While the Supreme Court recently struck down the affirmative action policies that have for 45 + years helped kids from under-represented minorities have a chance at higher education,
On July 24th, the NY Times released the results of a study (conducted by a team of researchers at Harvard) that revealed that kids from wealthy families are more likely to get into a top university. And the wealthier they are, the more of a helping hand they get. In 2018, a survey by Inside Higher Ed also reported that found that 42 percent of private universities — including most of the nation’s elite institutions — and 6 percent of public colleges used the strategy.
In recent years, the United States has witnessed a renewed examination of its higher education system, particularly regarding its admissions policies. Legacy admissions, a policy by which colleges give preference to applicants who are related to alumni of the institution, has come under significant scrutiny. Many argue that this practice perpetuates a cycle of privilege, excluding countless qualified applicants from underrepresented backgrounds. As a result, a comprehensive investigation into the impacts and ethicality of legacy admissions has been launched.
Critics have said for years that the century-old practice perpetuates privilege, and a handful of colleges, like Amherst and Johns Hopkins, have rejected the practice.
Legacy admissions have been a long-standing tradition among many elite institutions, especially within the Ivy League (defined as Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, Cornell, Columbia, Brown, Princeton, and the University of Pennyslvania). Proponents argue that it is a way to honor the loyalty and continued support of alumni. They point to the potential for increased donations and long-term commitment from families with generational ties to the institution. Some also believe that legacy students often possess an intrinsic understanding of the school's culture, potentially leading to better integration and contribution to the college community.
However, critics counter these arguments by pointing out the inequities inherent in the system. A large portion of legacy admits come from affluent backgrounds, having benefitted from generations of educational advantages. By giving them yet another leg up in the admissions process, colleges effectively reduce opportunities for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. The correlation between legacy admissions and racial disparities further complicates the picture. Since many prestigious institutions did not begin admitting students of color in significant numbers until the latter half of the 20th century, the legacy system inherently favors Caucasian/White applicants (and/or those of a higher socio-economic status, regardless of race/ethnicity).
The investigation into legacy admissions is not just an academic exercise; it carries profound implications for the future of US higher education. If it is determined that legacy admissions significantly hinder diversity and social mobility, it may pave the way for policy reforms. President Biden asked the Department of Education to launch the investigation following the Supreme Court’s strike-down of Affirmative Action policies as unconstitutional. Some institutions, preempting potential fallout, have already begun to phase out or limit their legacy preferences. Conversely, should the investigation find that the negative impacts are overstated, institutions might continue the practice with renewed vigor.
Regardless of the outcome, this investigation underscores the importance of transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in college admissions. With higher education being a key driver of socio-economic mobility, it is paramount that every qualified student, regardless of their background, has a fair shot at attending the college that will help them to maximize their potential, and to be contributing members of society at the highest level. The legacy admissions debate is but one facet of a broader conversation about creating a more equitable and just educational system for every citizen of this country (as well as the many people who come to our country seeking opportunity).