The Decline of Legacy Admissions

Legacy admissions have long been one of the most controversial aspects of elite college admissions—quiet, unquestioned, and, for some, untouchable. But over the past few years, that’s changed dramatically.

Today, a growing number of colleges and universities are backing away from legacy preferences altogether. As public sentiment turns toward fairness and merit-based access, institutions are being forced to confront whether legacy policies align with modern values of equity and inclusion.

This isn’t just a bureaucratic change. It’s a turning point for students—especially those who’ve historically been locked out of the admissions process because of who they aren’t related to.

What Are Legacy Admissions?

Legacy admissions give an edge to applicants who are related to alumni of a college—usually a parent, but sometimes a grandparent or sibling. In practical terms, being a legacy student has traditionally boosted your chances of getting in, especially at elite private universities. For years, it was treated as just another admissions “hook,” like athletic recruitment or being from an underrepresented region.

But here’s the issue: legacy status disproportionately benefits wealthy, white applicants who already have easier access to high-quality education and extracurriculars. Meanwhile, first-generation students and students of color, especially those from public schools, get no such boost.

Why Are Legacy Admissions Declining?

The tide began turning in earnest after several high-profile colleges publicly dropped legacy preferences. Others followed quietly, especially as legal and cultural pressure mounted. For some schools, the change was a matter of aligning with values; for others, it was a reputational strategy in an age of growing scrutiny.

The shift also accelerated in response to broader changes in the admissions landscape—most notably the end of race-conscious admissions policies. Without race as a consideration, critics argued, continuing to favor legacy applicants would further entrench privilege and decrease diversity.

As a result, more schools are quietly phasing out legacy admissions or making them optional background information, rather than a meaningful factor.

What’s Changing in 2025?

Several states and universities are moving to ban or eliminate legacy preferences:

• California passed a new law in early 2025 banning legacy admissions at private colleges that receive state funds or participate in state financial aid programs.

• Colorado and Connecticut previously passed similar legislation.

• Amherst College, Johns Hopkins, and MIT have already eliminated legacy preferences voluntarily.

• The Department of Education has also launched investigations into how legacy practices may violate civil rights protections, particularly in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling against race-conscious admissions in 2023.

What This Means for Students

1. Admissions Will Focus More on Merit and Impact

With legacy out of the picture, your achievements, character, and fit with a school’s mission matter more. That includes your grades, test scores (where required), essays, and how you’ve used your opportunities.

2. A Fairer Playing Field

Removing legacy preferences makes room for students from non-traditional and underrepresented backgrounds who bring diverse perspectives to campus. It doesn't mean automatic acceptance—but it does mean one less advantage you don’t control.

3. Changing Strategy for Some Applicants

If you’re the child of an alum, don’t panic. Schools still value demonstrated interest, fit, and personal connection. You can still talk about your experience with the school—but it has to come from genuine engagement, not entitlement.

What to Expect Going Forward

• More schools will drop legacy preferences in the next few years, especially public universities and private institutions under pressure to modernize.

• Admissions offices may become more transparent about what factors they consider and how they weigh them.

• Applicants from all backgrounds may begin seeing admissions processes that feel less like a hidden club and more like a true evaluation of individual potential.

Ultimately, the decline of legacy admissions represents more than just a policy change. It’s a signal that the gatekeepers of higher education are being challenged to open the gates a bit wider—and that the future of college admissions may look a little more like the world students actually live in.

FAQ

What is legacy admissions?

It refers to a college admissions policy that gives preference to applicants who are children or close relatives of alumni.

Are all colleges eliminating legacy admissions?

No, not all. But a growing number of universities—especially selective public institutions and private colleges with strong equity commitments—are moving away from the practice.

Will this hurt students with legacy status?

Legacy students can still be strong applicants. The removal of legacy preference simply means they’re evaluated on the same basis as everyone else.