Skip to main content
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 does 'legacy admissions' work at universities?

Hi, guys! So I've been hearing about 'legacy admissions' at universities, and my parents went to an Ivy League school. How does this legacy thing work, and will it actually benefit my application? Thanks for your input!

a year ago

Hi there! Legacy admissions refer to the practice by which some universities provide preferential treatment to applicants whose family members, usually parents or grandparents, attended the same institution. The idea behind this practice is that it fosters a sense of community and loyalty towards the school among alumni and their families.

In the case of Ivy League schools, having a legacy connection can indeed be advantageous in the admissions process. These institutions may view legacy applicants more favorably, as they are hoping to maintain a strong intergenerational relationship and encourage continued support from their alumni. Although legacy status can give you a boost in admissions, it's important to keep in mind that it is not a guarantee of acceptance. You'll still need a competitive application in terms of your academic performance, test scores (if required), extracurriculars, and essays to be a strong candidate.

To make the most of your legacy advantage, it is a good idea to have your family member, who is an alumnus, connect with the school to express support for your application. Additionally, you should mention your legacy tie in your application where appropriate, which can be through a specific question asking about family connections or in the additional information section.

In summary, while legacy status can provide a boost in the admissions process, it's merely one factor among many that colleges consider. Continue to focus on building a strong application, showcasing your unique interests and achievements, and demonstrating your passion and fit for the institution. Good luck with your application!

To learn more about what "legacy" means, read this blog post: https://blog.collegevine.com/legacy-demystified-how-the-people-you-know-affect-your-admissions-decision/

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.