New York Looking Toward Legacy Admissions Ban

Following the four current states that have banned legacy admissions, New York has begun to consider passing similar legislation. This move would penalize universities such as NYU or Columbia University for considering legacy as a factor in their admission processes.

Currently, many elite universities offer a small advantage to students with relatives who attended the same institution. There are many reasons why universities might be more willing to consider a legacy student, but often legacy students are more likely to attend their legacy institutions upon acceptance. A ban would require that universities remove the legacy question from their applications.

The push to ban legacy admissions comes from a desire to create a more equitable admissions process. Legacy admissions can favor well-connected families, making it more challenging for first-generation and underrepresented students to gain admission to elite schools. It is important to consider, however, that legacy is not the only factor in admitting students to elite institutions, though some studies show that competitive legacies are more likely to be accepted.

In some universities, legacy students can make up nearly 40% of the graduating class. In other cases this number is between 5-10%. Banning legacy admissions could significantly impact the demographics of incoming classes at New York’s top universities, promoting a more equitable and diverse student body. For some prospective students, this means merit and individual achievements will carry more weight than family connections. However, students with family ties to their dream schools might feel apprehensive about losing this advantage.

While legacy bans could change the college admissions sphere, a well rounded student profile remains king! It’s important to focus on building a strong, authentic application that highlights their unique strengths and accomplishments. Keep in mind legacy bans when researching universities and continue honing your personal story and student profile to stand out in this evolving process.