Legacy Admissions: Does It Still Matter?

If you’ve ever felt the warm, nostalgic glow of homecoming season, reminiscing about your college days and dreaming of your child walking those same halls, you’re not alone. We know this season well — schools buzzing with alumni and families reconnecting with college memories. But let me get real with you: as much as these alma mater connections feel powerful, they’re undergoing a huge shift in college admissions, and it’s time to address what that means for your child’s future.

 Do you know what legacy admissions used to mean vs what it means now? Legacy admissions — the practice of giving preference to applicants with family ties to a college — have been around for generations, helping to cultivate and strengthen school communities. For many families, legacy status provided a “foot in the door,” a sense of pride, and a connection to family history. However, as the admissions landscape evolves, legacy preferences are changing dramatically.

I recently experienced this shift first-hand. A few years back, Wesleyan University, my alma mater, decided to eliminate legacy preferences. For me and many other alumni, this raised complex feelings. Suddenly, the privilege of passing down that connection through admissions no longer holds weight. But it’s not just Wesleyan. Across the nation, legacy policies are being reevaluated, and schools are making decisions that affect families like yours and mine.

So now you’re asking yourself, what does this mean for my kid? This change might seem like an isolated decision, but it represents a shift in college admissions that can directly impact your child’s future. Many colleges that once welcomed legacy applicants now focus on creating “fairer” (their words, not mine) and more diverse applicant pools. However, legacy preferences remain alive at certain selective schools, so knowing where each college stands is crucial.

Parents, let’s ask the right questions: Does the school your child is applying to still offer a legacy advantage? Or has it moved to an equitable admissions approach that no longer gives preferential treatment to legacy applicants?

These policies can significantly impact your child’s chances and should influence your strategy for building a college list. That’s where I can help you craft an approach that prioritizes your child’s strengths and maximizes their chances — legacy or not.

When I work with families, one of the key pieces we discuss is crafting a college list that balances reach, target, and safety schools. Legacy status can tip the scales in favor of your child’s application if the school still values alumni connections. However, a college list designed solely on legacy hopes may not align with today’s realities.

Ask yourself:

- Does my alma mater have a legacy policy that benefits my child? Knowing this helps ensure your child isn’t unknowingly competing in a level playing field while you may be expecting a legacy advantage.

- Is my child applying to schools that align with their strengths and aspirations — whether or not legacy helps? This process isn’t just about prestige; it’s about fit, and that’s a conversation we encourage every family to have.

It’s easy to assume your child has an edge if they’re applying to your alma mater, but that’s not always the case today. Be proactive in discovering if your family connection will benefit or hinder their application. If you’d like support through this, we offer personalized Discovery Calls, where I walk families through a custom approach based on their needs.

When applying to college, I encourage parents and students to approach legacy policies as one factor in the larger admissions strategy. Here are my top tips for making legacy a productive part of your college application planning:

1. Research Each School’s Policy on Legacy: While some colleges are transparent about legacy, others keep policies ambiguous. Don’t assume; be direct and ask the admissions office if legacy status influences their decision-making.
2. Prepare for All Outcomes: Whether or not legacy helps, your child needs a robust application that will stand on its own. Schools are committed to admitting qualified students, and they will only value legacy status if they see a highly qualified applicant.
3. Encourage Your Child to Embrace Their Unique Story: Even if they’re applying to your alma mater, their application needs to reflect who they are, not just your shared history with the school. Admissions teams seek students who bring diverse perspectives and passions to their campuses.
4. Consider Legacy as Part of a Balanced Application Approach: Legacy shouldn’t make or break your application plan. Think of it as one strategic piece in a well-rounded approach that includes academic achievement, extracurricular engagement, and personal statement strength.

The college application process is complex, and legacy policies add another layer of consideration. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to go through this alone. We’re here to work with you and your family to create a strategy that considers every factor, ensuring your child stands out for all the right reasons.

At Strategic Admissions Advice, we offer several solutions where I sit down with families to discuss their unique situations. We can evaluate the legacy status, answer any questions about the admissions process, and build a college application strategy that prioritizes your child’s strengths, passions, and potential.

In my 20 years of experience in college admissions, I’ve seen firsthand how policies shift and evolve. Strategic Admissions Advice isn’t about following a “one-size-fits-all” approach. We’re about creating a personalized, informed path for every family and helping parents and students feel confident in their decisions. Legacy or not, your child has a unique path ahead of them, and together, we can make it one that leads to success.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule a free Discovery Call. 

Remember, the journey to college is filled with possibility, and with the proper guidance, your child can confidently take the next step toward achieving their goals. Schedule your call today at strategicadmissionsadvice.com and let’s make this process work for your family.

Shereem Herndon-Brown
Chief Education Officer, Strategic Admissions Advice