What is legacy preferences for college admissions?

Legacy admissions – a practice in which colleges give special consideration to children of alumni when deciding who to admit – have been making headlines. Colleges are increasingly being called on to rethink the merits of the practice – and some colleges are beginning to heed those calls.

Why do schools consider legacy?

Schools consider legacy status for a number of reasons. Families with multiple students and/or alumni might be more likely to make a donation. Additionally, legacy students who are accepted are more likely to commit to that school, incrementally increasing the number of admitted students who accept offers.

Why are legacy admissions good?

While legacy admission policies overwhelmingly benefit white, wealthy students whose parents can afford full tuition or can give donations, the practice can also build the kind of loyalty and enduring connections that help colleges over the long run. (Just plug in the name of a college to see how it is faring.)

What makes a good legacy?

The good works that a person does throughout life can establish a legacy of kindness, generosity, and social responsibility. From helping others who are less fortunate or in a vulnerable population, those who do good works throughout their lives establish a positive legacy that helps make life better for others.

What does being a legacy mean to you?

1 : a gift by will especially of money or other personal property : bequest She left us a legacy of a million dollars. 2 : something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past the legacy of the ancient philosophers The war left a legacy of pain and suffering.

Does MIT consider legacy?

MIT doesn’t consider legacy or alumni relations in our admissions process. If you’d like to read more about this policy, check out the blog Just to Be Clear: We Don’t Do Legacy.

Are legacy students rich?

Legacy students tend to be the white and wealthy, contributing to socioeconomic inequality.