Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Should colleges end legacy admissions?
Position‹2 of 2

No, colleges should not end legacy admissions

Legacy admissions contribute to the strength of the college community. It helps keep alumni engaged and active in their financial donations. The legacy preference often serves as reasonable tiebreakers and never benefits a student who doesn't deserve admittance.

Supporting arguments · 3

  1. It would jeopardize financial support
    The legacy preference is needed for fundraising. Alumni offer generous support to their alma mater. Financial support is essential for colleges and universities to retain their positions as leading institutions and legacy preferences make alumni more willing to give.
  2. Legacy admissions tend to be more than qualified
    Children of alumni tend to be better candidates for the schools at which they have legacy status. This is a side effect of having well-educated parents and growing up with advantageous circumstances. Legacy students tend to be the most qualified students regardless of their legacy status.
  3. Legacy kids care more about these schools
    When it comes to choosing among equally strong candidates, one consideration can be the natural affinity for the university that often emerges among children of alumni. Legacy students often have a stronger desire to attend and engage with the institutions their parents went to.