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If you’re a fan of shows like “Gilmore Girls,” you likely remember Rory’s fervent desire to attend Harvard, only to face pressure from her grandparents to choose Yale, their alma mater. I once thought legacy college admissions were purely fictional—something that only existed in romantic comedies. But reality proved me wrong. I had assumed that elite colleges in the U.S. would select students based solely on their abilities and qualifications, not their family connections. A radical notion, right?
Unfortunately, legacy admissions are not only real but are still practiced by some prestigious institutions, including Harvard. According to The Harvard Crimson, between 2014 and 2019, legacy students made up 33% of the admitted applicants despite the overall acceptance rate being a mere 6%. Before you jump to conclusions, this isn’t about bashing legacy students. Many of them are certainly qualified. However, they already enjoy significant advantages that help pave their way to success.
Some colleges, such as Amherst, Caltech, and MIT, have successfully revamped their admissions processes to eliminate consideration of legacy status. Johns Hopkins University made this change in 2014 and saw a significant shift: the percentage of legacy students dropped from 8.5% to just 3.7%, while first-generation students increased from 8.1% to 17.8%. So why do elite schools like Harvard continue to hold onto legacy admissions? The answer, as often is the case, revolves around financial incentives.
Wealthy families often donate generously to their alma maters, hoping their contributions will influence the admissions office when it comes time to evaluate their children. While this practice isn’t illegal, it raises ethical concerns. It’s crucial to remember that not all brilliant minds come from affluent backgrounds. Just because someone has money doesn’t mean they possess the drive or passion for education. Wealth may provide a leg up, but it shouldn’t be the sole determining factor in admissions.
Reforming the college admissions process is essential, especially considering how challenging it already is for prospective students. For many, the application journey is daunting, with requirements like essays, standardized tests, and the intricacies of financial aid forms. First-generation college students face additional hurdles, lacking the guidance that more privileged peers might have. It’s time to level the playing field by abolishing legacy admissions.
Privilege permeates our society, affecting countless aspects of life, including education. Addressing this issue is vital in moving toward a fairer system. Ending legacy college admissions won’t solve all disparities in access to elite education, but it’s a critical step in the right direction.
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Summary:
The article argues for the elimination of legacy college admissions, highlighting the inequities they perpetuate in the application process. It emphasizes the significant advantages that legacy students have and points to successful reforms at other institutions as a model for change. The author calls for a more equitable system that prioritizes merit over family connections.
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Keyphrase: End Legacy College Admissions
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