California’s Bold Move: Legacy Admissions Out, Merit-Based Applications In—What Families Should Do Next

 
 

California has just leveled the college admissions playing field. With legacy admissions banned at private colleges like Stanford, USC, Claremont McKenna, Santa Clara, and Pomona starting in 2025, students now have the opportunity to stand out based on their achievements and potential alone. This shift requires a fresh approach to college prep, where students’ unique strengths take the lead.

Why California Targeted Legacy Admissions

Legacy admissions have historically given a clear edge to students with alumni ties, creating an advantage heavily based on family connections and lineage. Recent data highlight this trend: USC reported a legacy admission rate of 14.4%, the highest among California universities. Stanford follows closely at 13.8%, with Santa Clara at 13.3%.

Here’s a closer look at the statistics:

  • USC: Legacy admission rate of 14.4%; non-legacy rate approximately 5%.

  • Stanford: Legacy admission rate of 13.8%; Non-legacy acceptance rate around 3.9%.

  • Santa Clara University: Legacy admission rate of 13.3%; Estimated non-legacy rate about 5%.

  • Claremont McKenna College: Legacy admission rate around 13.3%; non-legacy rates range from 8-10%.

  • Pomona College: Similar legacy rate of 13.3%; non-legacy rates typically between 7-8%.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2023 eliminating affirmative action has led to greater scrutiny of the preferential treatment that many colleges afford to certain categories of students, including athletes, children of alumni, and major donors. This change has also prompted state legislatures, non-profits, and even certain universities to  push to eliminate preferential treatment, particularly legacy admissions, and to focus on individual achievements instead. For more insights on this pivotal ruling, you can read our blog post, The Supreme Court Overturns Affirmative Action.

How Top California Schools Are Responding

Schools like Stanford and USC have committed to aligning with this change, and Pomona has emphasized an achievement-focused approach since dropping legacy preferences in 2017. Here’s how a few universities are responding:

  • Stanford will review its policies, enhancing focus on diversity and inclusivity.

  • USC will continue a “holistic review,” evaluating applicants who contribute vibrantly to campus life.

  • Claremont McKenna and Santa Clara are committed to fair, achievement-driven admissions.

Note that public universities like UCLA and UC Berkeley have operated without legacy admissions for years..

Preparing for the Merit-Based Admissions Process

With legacy preferences off the table, here’s where we suggest focusing to help your child stand out:

  • Academic Excellence: Schools want to see students who have challenged themselves. We encourage your child to take rigorous coursework, like AP or IB, to signal readiness for college. At Ivy Link, we advise our students to build an academic profile that is as competitive as possible, while highlighting their strengths and helping them stand out.

  • Meaningful Extracurricular Involvement: Colleges value depth over breadth. In our blog on choosing extracurricular activities, we emphasize the importance of focusing on areas of genuine interest to demonstrate commitment and impact. A profile that shows authenticity, as well as measurable accomplishments, which is key in today’s admissions landscape. Explore this Business Insider interview with Adam Nguyen, the founder of Ivy Link, wherein he discusses the importance of measurable accomplishments in college admissions.

  • Compelling Personal Statements: Personal statements should go beyond a resume, revealing your child’s unique voice, resilience, and goals. We guide students in writing essays that highlight experiences showcasing their strengths and character, helping them stand out authentically. For more guidance, check out our Craft a Compelling Personal Statement.

A New Era in Admissions

As California moves further toward merit-based admissions, we’re here to help families focus on cultivating their child’s individual achievements. Ivy Link provides the resources and expert guidance to help students shine on their own strengths. Schedule a complimentary consultation today to see how we can support your child in building a powerful, merit-driven application.

Will other states follow California’s lead? Ivy Link actively monitors the college admissions landscape and will keep our students and families informed on the latest developments.

EJ (Elden Joie) Gonzales