Legacy admissions - what are they?

I keep hearing the term 'legacy admissions' when talking about college admissions. Can someone please explain what this term means and how it might affect my application process?

Legacy admissions is a practice where colleges give preferential treatment to applicants who have a family connection to the institution, usually a parent, grandparent, or sibling who has attended. The children of alumni usually know about the school’s culture, offerings, etc. up front, and thus a family connection can be a sign that you’re a good fit for the school. And, there’s the simply fact that schools want to keep their alumni happy. However, while legacy applicants do usually benefit from increased chances of admission compared to non-legacy applicants with similar qualifications, they are by no means guaranteed admission.

As for how this practice might affect your application process, you should be aware that legacy favoritism varies by institution. Some legacy institutions may place a higher emphasis on legacy status than others, but in general, being a legacy applicant can be considered a "soft" factor in your application, meaning it's not as significant as your academic record, extracurricular involvement, or test scores.

However, keep in mind that the value of legacy status has lessened over the years at many institutions, with some schools even eliminating legacy admissions altogether. Furthermore, as noted above, while legacy status might provide a small advantage, it's not a guarantee of admission. Admissions officers still review each application holistically, and they are looking for well-rounded candidates who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to their interests outside of school.

In summary, if you happen to be a legacy applicant, it might provide a slight advantage in your application, but it's essential to focus on the factors in your control, such as your academic performance, test scores, and extracurricular involvement, to improve your chances of getting into highly selective schools. I hope this helps clear up your confusion!