How Much Does Legacy Really Count In College Applications

Legacy admissions—the long-standing practice of giving preference to applicants with familial ties to a school—have been a lightning rod for debate in higher education. Once seen as an untouchable tradition, legacy preferences are now under intense scrutiny. With high-profile policy changes at schools like Harvard and Wesleyan University, the question is clear: are legacy admissions a relic of the past, or do they still matter depending on where you’re applying and who you are? Here’s what you need to know and how these changes might impact your college strategy.

What Are Legacy Admissions, and Why Are They Controversial?

Legacy admissions give children of alumni an edge in the application process. Historically, this practice was marketed as a way to honor alumni loyalty and boost donations. Critics, however, argue that legacy preferences perpetuate inequality by favoring already privileged applicants, often at the expense of first-generation and underrepresented students.

What often goes unspoken is why legacies tend to be stronger applicants: they’re often the children of highly accomplished parents with access to resources that set them up for success. From elite prep schools to private tutors, these socioeconomic advantages build profiles that are already competitive—legacy status simply adds an extra nudge.

According to a 2018 study by The Century Foundation, nearly half of the nation’s top 100 colleges considered legacy status in admissions. At elite institutions, legacy students were found to be five times more likely to be admitted compared to non-legacy applicants with similar qualifications. This data has fueled widespread calls for reform.

Recent Policy Changes: A Turning Point?

The tide may be turning. In 2023, Wesleyan University announced it would no longer consider legacy status in admissions, following similar decisions by Amherst College and Johns Hopkins University in recent years. Harvard University is also under pressure to eliminate its legacy policy in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down race-conscious admissions practices.

The shift isn’t just symbolic; it reflects changing public sentiment. A 2022 Gallup poll found that 63% of Americans oppose legacy preferences. Schools are recognizing that maintaining legacy admissions can damage their reputations as champions of equity and access.

However, many schools remain opaque about their legacy policies. Institutions like Princeton and Yale acknowledge legacy as a factor but provide little clarity on how heavily it’s weighted. Meanwhile, schools like Notre Dame openly defend their use of legacy status, citing its role in fostering alumni loyalty and maintaining traditions. For applicants, this lack of transparency means doing extra homework to understand each school’s stance.

How Early Decision Shapes Legacy Admissions

For legacy applicants, Early Decision (ED) is often where legacy status carries the most weight. Many schools only consider legacy status in the ED round. Why? Because ED applicants signal a strong commitment to the school, which directly impacts a school’s yield—a key metric for rankings and institutional reputation.

If you’re a legacy and choose not to apply ED, it could be interpreted as a lack of enthusiasm or loyalty. Schools might see this as you turning down an advantage, raising concerns that they’re not your top choice. In a competitive admissions landscape, this hesitation can work against you.

For parents and students, this means strategizing carefully. If you’re serious about leveraging legacy status, ED might be your best bet. However, it’s essential to ensure the school is genuinely the right fit since ED is binding.

What Does This Mean for Parents and Students?

Whether you’re a legacy applicant or a first-generation student, understanding how these changes apply to your situation is key. Here’s what you need to consider:

• If You’re a Legacy Applicant: Check whether your target schools still consider legacy status. Schools like Notre Dame openly defend their legacy policies, while others, like Wesleyan, have dropped them entirely. If you’re applying to a school that values legacy, ED can amplify your advantage—but skipping ED might diminish it.
• If You’re First-Generation: The decline of legacy preferences could open more opportunities, but it’s not a guarantee. Focus on schools that prioritize equity and have strong support systems for first-gen students.
• For Everyone Else: Keep in mind that these changes are school-specific. Research each institution’s policies and how they align with your strengths and background.

Fit Is Still King

Here’s the deal: legacy or no legacy, colleges are looking for students who fit their mission and community. Instead of fixating on whether legacy policies help or hurt you, focus on finding schools where you can thrive.

Ask yourself:

• Does this school align with my values and goals?
• What unique perspective do I bring to their campus?
• Am I applying because it’s my dream school or because it looks good on paper?

While some schools have abandoned legacy preferences, others are doubling down. The University of Notre Dame, for example, explicitly defends its use of legacy status, citing its value in maintaining a strong alumni network. Similarly, many Ivy League schools continue to uphold the practice, though they face mounting pressure to change.

The future of legacy admissions likely hinges on two factors: public opinion and legal challenges. As more schools follow the lead of Wesleyan and Johns Hopkins, and as advocacy groups push for federal scrutiny, the momentum for reform may become unstoppable. However, the entrenchment of legacy preferences at many institutions suggests that change will be neither universal nor immediate.

The Bottom Line

Legacy admissions aren’t one-size-fits-all, and their impact depends on where you’re applying and your unique circumstances. For legacy applicants, Early Decision often holds the key. For everyone else, understanding the evolving admissions landscape can help you make smarter, more informed decisions. Remember: the best school for you is the one where you’ll thrive—legacy status or not.