Legacy admissions—the practice of giving preferential treatment to applicants with family ties to a college—has long been a fixture at elite East Coast institutions. For decades, legacy status has quietly given certain applicants a significant edge, with legacy students often admitted at rates two to three times higher than non-legacy applicants. However, a growing wave of criticism over fairness and equity, coupled with changing public opinion and legal pressures, has prompted some East Coast colleges to reconsider or eliminate legacy preferences altogether.
In this post, we’ll explore why some East Coast colleges are moving away from legacy admissions, the backlash from alumni, and what this shift means for future applicants.
📉 Why Legacy Preferences Are Falling Out of Favor
1. Equity and Fairness Concerns
Critics argue that legacy preferences reinforce inequality by giving an unfair advantage to wealthy, predominantly white families. Since legacy students are more likely to come from affluent backgrounds with access to elite prep schools, the practice is seen as widening the socioeconomic gap in higher education.
- Studies have shown that legacy admissions disproportionately benefit white applicants, further entrenching racial and economic disparities.
- As colleges face increasing pressure to diversify their student bodies, continuing to favor legacy applicants conflicts with broader diversity and inclusion goals.
➡️ Example: In 2022, Johns Hopkins University announced that after ending legacy preferences in 2014, the percentage of first-generation students increased from 9% to 17%—demonstrating a measurable shift toward greater diversity.
2. Legal and Political Pressure
The Supreme Court’s 2023 decision to strike down race-based affirmative action has increased scrutiny of other admissions practices seen as inequitable—including legacy admissions.
- Civil rights organizations and policymakers have argued that if race-based preferences are illegal, then legacy preferences—which favor the wealthy and well-connected—should also be reconsidered.
- The Biden administration investigated whether legacy admissions violate civil rights laws by disproportionately benefiting privileged applicants.
➡️ Example: Following the Supreme Court ruling, Wesleyan University ended legacy admissions in 2023, stating that the practice was no longer consistent with its commitment to equity.
3. Alumni Backlash vs. Institutional Integrity
Eliminating legacy preferences comes with financial and cultural risks. Alumni, especially donors, have resisted the change, arguing that legacy ties strengthen alumni loyalty and financial support.
- Colleges depend on alumni donations to fund scholarships, campus improvements, and faculty salaries.
- Some institutions worry that ending legacy admissions could reduce alumni engagement and impact future fundraising efforts.
➡️ Example: After Amherst College dropped legacy preferences in 2021, some alumni threatened to cut off donations—but the school reported a steady increase in fundraising despite the shift.
4. Public Perception and Competitive Edge
The public backlash against legacy admissions has created reputational risks for colleges that maintain the practice. Schools that eliminate legacy preferences position themselves as more meritocratic and aligned with modern values.
- Removing legacy preferences can give colleges a competitive edge in attracting applicants who value fairness and transparency.
- Admissions offices can reallocate the “advantage” once given to legacy students toward recruiting more diverse and talented applicants.
➡️ Example: The University of Massachusetts Amherst saw a record increase in applications after ending legacy preferences in 2022, suggesting that the shift resonated with prospective students.
🎯 What This Means for Future Applicants
The decline of legacy admissions could level the playing field for students from underrepresented and nontraditional backgrounds. Without legacy preferences:
✅ Strong academic and extracurricular achievements will carry more weight in admissions decisions.
✅ First-generation and low-income students could see higher acceptance rates as colleges prioritize diversity.
✅ Applicants from non-traditional backgrounds or public schools may have a better shot at elite East Coast institutions.
🚀 Final Thoughts
Some East Coast colleges’ decision to drop legacy preferences reflects a broader shift toward fairness and meritocracy in admissions. While alumni pushback remains challenging, the long-term benefits of increased diversity and equity could strengthen these institutions’ reputations and competitive standing. This change represents a powerful opportunity for prospective students to stand out based on merit, talent, and personal achievement rather than family connections.