What is a legacy applicant?

I've been hearing the term 'legacy applicant' a lot lately. Can someone explain to me what it means and how it can impact college admissions?

A legacy applicant is a student who has a family member, usually a parent or grandparent, who attended the same college or university they are applying to. The term "legacy" implies a connection to the institution through familial ties. In some cases, having a sibling who attended or is currently attending the school may also be considered legacy, though this is less common.

Legacy status can have varying levels of impact on college admissions, depending on the institution. Some colleges and universities may give preference to legacy applicants during the admissions process, viewing them as more likely to be engaged alumni, donate to the school, or maintain a strong connection to the institution. This practice is more common at selective and private institutions. It's important to note that being a legacy applicant does not guarantee admission, but it may provide an edge in the process, as it is one of the many factors considered.

However, this practice is not universal, and some schools either do not take legacy status into account at all or have very minimal weight for it. It is crucial to research the specific schools you are interested in applying to and see how they weigh legacy status in their admissions process.

In summary, a legacy applicant is someone with a family connection to the college or university they are applying to. The impact of being a legacy applicant varies widely depending on the school and their specific admissions policies.