What is a legacy student?

I keep hearing about legacy students during the college application process. What does it mean exactly? If one of my parents graduated from a college, does that make me a legacy student?

A legacy student is an applicant whose parent, sibling, or sometimes grandparent has attended or graduated from the same college or university they are applying to. In most cases, being a legacy student specifically refers to having one or both parents who have graduated from the institution in question.

Yes, if one of your parents graduated from a college, that would make you a legacy student at that particular institution. Some colleges extend legacy status to other close relatives, like siblings or even grandparents, but this can vary by school.

Legacy status can potentially have an impact on your chances of admission. Some institutions may give preferential consideration to legacy applicants in the admissions process, as it helps maintain strong relationships with alumni and their families who may be more likely to support the college financially. However, it's important to note that being a legacy student doesn't guarantee admission, as colleges still want to ensure they admit qualified and diverse candidates.

Keep in mind that the impact of legacy status can vary greatly between schools, and that some institutions do not give legacy applicants any preferential treatment at all. So while it might be a factor in the admissions process, it's important to focus on other aspects of your application such as your academics, extracurriculars, and essays to make the most compelling case for your acceptance.