Does the Legacy Admissions Ban Actually Change Who Gets In?
The recent ban on legacy admissions at California’s private colleges has created waves in the higher education world, raising questions about fairness, privilege, and access. For students aiming for elite schools—and their families—the real question is: Will this change who gets in?
While the ban is intended to level the playing field, its real impact remains uncertain. Families who have long relied on legacy status may wonder whether this will truly reshape the admissions process, or if other factors will continue to carry more weight. Let’s dive into what this shift really means for students—and how families can best position their children for success.
Legacy Admissions Was Already on the Decline
Even before the ban, many top schools were already distancing themselves from legacy preferences. For example, Stanford University had been reducing the weight of legacy status in its admissions process for years. Legacy admits were already on a steady decline—so this change doesn’t represent a sudden shift, but rather a formalization of trends that were already taking place.
What Still Matters in Elite Admissions?
At Ivy Link, we’ve worked with countless students aiming for Ivy League schools and other top-tier universities. The key to standing out at these highly selective schools is still about having a strong, well-rounded application. Here’s what truly makes a difference:
Early Decision & Demonstrated Interest – Elite schools like Princeton and Harvard often prioritize students who apply early and show a genuine interest in attending. It’s not just about submitting an application—it’s about showing commitment. Attending information sessions, connecting with alumni, and even visiting campus can give your child an edge.
Top-Tier Extracurriculars & Academic Excellence – Strong academic records and standout extracurriculars are non-negotiable for top schools. But how can a student set themselves apart? Consider this: one of our students earned a spot at a prestigious Ivy League school not only due to their academic excellence but because of their deep involvement in national competitions and leadership roles in student organizations. For students participating in aristocratic sports like fencing, sailing, or equestrian sports, these activities continue to carry weight. These sports are not only associated with exclusivity but also require significant dedication and financial investment. Adam Nguyen, founder of Ivy Link, highlights in a recent Fortune article how these aristocratic sports—such as sailing and fencing—are highly valued by elite colleges because they are expensive and often linked to recruitment opportunities. As Nguyen explains, “You need to identify a sport that, frankly, most people can’t afford to play and compete in.” For students involved in these activities, their commitment to a sport that demands both skill and resources can be a crucial differentiator in the admissions process.
Faculty & Institutional Connections – Even without legacy status, many top-tier schools value students who have built meaningful connections with faculty or institutional programs. Whether through internships, research projects, or academic collaborations, these connections can set a student’s application apart.
Philanthropy & Future Donations – While direct legacy preference may be gone, some argue that schools could still take into account a student’s family background and their ties to the institution—particularly in terms of philanthropic contributions. A family’s past contributions—whether financial or through volunteer work—can still have an influence on the admissions process.
Ivy League Admissions Stats
The Ivy League schools remain extremely competitive, with or without legacy status. Here’s a snapshot of the current acceptance rates for these prestigious schools:
Harvard University: Acceptance Rate – 3.45%, Legacy Status Considered
Princeton University: Acceptance Rate – 4.50%, Legacy Status Considered
Yale University: Acceptance Rate – 4.50%, Legacy Status Considered
Columbia University: Acceptance Rate – 4.23%, Legacy Status Considered
University of Pennsylvania: Acceptance Rate – 5.65%, Legacy Status Considered
Dartmouth College: Acceptance Rate – 6.23%, Legacy Status Considered
Brown University: Acceptance Rate – 5.23%, Legacy Status Considered
Cornell University: Acceptance Rate – 8.16%, Legacy Status Considered
While legacy preferences are no longer a deciding factor, these schools remain incredibly selective. Acceptance rates hover below 5% at many of these institutions, meaning the competition is as fierce as ever.
The Real Impact: First-Generation Students
If there’s one group likely to benefit from this change, it is first-generation college applicants. Schools like Amherst College saw their legacy admits drop from 11% to 6%, while the number of first-generation students increased. However, it’s important to recognize that legacy families often produce strong candidates anyway—so while this shift might create opportunities for first-generation students, it may not completely transform the admissions landscape.
So, What Does This Mean for Your Family?
While the legacy admissions ban might seem like a major shift, the truth is that the admissions game has always been about more than legacy status. What truly matters now is making sure a student’s application stands out. The most successful students—whether or not they come from legacy families—are those who have taken the time to prepare strategically.
For high-net-worth families, the focus should be on legacy-level preparation. This means:
Building a Stand-Out Academic and Extracurricular Profile – Crafting an application that tells a compelling story about your child’s strengths. A recent client’s student earned a spot at an Ivy League school not only because of their exceptional grades, but also because of their leadership in a local nonprofit organization focused on youth education.
Strategically Applying to Schools that Value Merit – Look for schools that balance merit-based admissions with a well-rounded approach. A client’s child, for instance, was accepted to a prestigious university thanks to their impressive academic record, combined with their leadership role in an innovative tech startup for high school students.
Engaging with Programs, Internships, and Institutional Opportunities – Schools want students who show initiative. One of our students gained acceptance to an Ivy League school after participating in a research program at a local university, where they worked directly with professors and contributed to a published paper.
The admissions landscape may be shifting, but top-tier schools are still looking for students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and passion. Legacy admissions might be gone, but preparation, engagement, and strategic positioning will always matter.
At Ivy Link, we help students refine their applications, build exceptional extracurriculars, and craft compelling essays that make them stand out in the highly competitive world of elite college admissions.
Ready to start preparing your student for success in this evolving admissions landscape? Ivy Link is here to guide your family every step of the way.
