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BREAKING NEWS

California Implements Historic Ban on Legacy & Donor Admissions at Private Universities incl. Stanford

1. THE END OF LEGACY ADMISSIONS AT STANFORD

In a move poised to dramatically alter the college admissions process, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a pivotal law yesterday officially banning private universities from considering legacy and donor status in admissions processes. This landmark legislation impacts prominent institutions such as Stanford University and the University of Southern California.

"Merit, skill, and hard work should be the only factors that determine college admissions," stated Governor Newsom. "The California Dream shouldn’t be accessible to just a lucky few," he added, emphasizing the goal to democratize higher education access across the board.

However, the reaction to the new law is mixed. While many praised the move as a step toward equality, some stakeholders expressed concerns over its implications. Kristen Soares, President of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, remarked, "As private institutions, we are uncomfortable with the state dictating admission practices in our institutions and the precedent it sets. Nevertheless, we welcome the opportunity to ensure an admission process that is equitable for all."

It is important to note also that according to early reports while the law makes a clear statement about eliminating privilege, it doesn’t offer strong mechanisms for enforcement. If schools don’t comply with it, they won’t face a financial penalty – a consequence that earlier drafts of the bill included. Instead, they’ll simply be required to publicly disclose the fact that they’re breaking the law.

Regardless, this new legislation is set to create a more equitable path to higher education, reflecting positive outcomes observed at institutions like Johns Hopkins University, which quietly started phasing out legacy admissions in 2013/2014. President Ron Daniels highlighted that removing legacy preferences allowed Johns Hopkins to widen its recruitment scope, attracting a diverse pool of exceptional talent. The impact is evident in the data: the share of students with familial ties to the university dropped from 8.5% to 1.7% since the policy change. Simultaneously, the enrollment of first-generation and low-income students increased significantly, rising from 16.7% to 30.8%.

FAQ: Understanding Legacy as a Factor in US College Admissions

1. What are legacy admissions?

Legacy admissions refer to the practice of giving preferential treatment to applicants who have family members, typically parents or grandparents, who attended the same institution or/and who make significant donor contributions. This often-controversial practice has been criticized for perpetuating inequality by primarily benefiting affluent, predominantly white applicants. However, according to the new law, admissions officers at those schools will no longer be able to consider whether a student’s parents attended or donated money to a university as a factor that could sway their decisions. 

2. How common are legacy admissions?

Legacy admissions were particularly prevalent in elite institutions. For example, about 14% of Stanford's and USC's admitted students had legacy connections in recent admissions cycles. Harvard University reported that 32% of the class of 2027 were legacy students. Other prestigious universities like Dartmouth and Yale have also maintained significant legacy quotas (~11%), though the exact numbers vary by institution. Schools with legacy preferences have argued that they have not compromised their high standards and that children of alumni who are admitted are highly qualified, or they would not have been accepted.

3. Which colleges have already ended legacy admissions?

Schools That Ended Legacy Admissions After the 2023 Supreme Court Ruling on Affirmative Action:

1. Carleton College: Known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate teaching in Northfield, Minnesota.

2. Occidental College: A small liberal arts college located in Los Angeles, California, known for its diverse student body.

3. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities: One of the largest public universities in the U.S., based in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

4. University of Pittsburgh: A major public research university, prominent in medical research, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

5. Virginia Tech: Renowned for its programs in engineering and architecture, based in Blacksburg, Virginia.

6. Wesleyan University: A progressive liberal arts college with a strong focus on arts and science, located in Middletown, Connecticut.

Schools That Ended Legacy Admissions Prior to 2023:

1. Amherst College: One of the most prestigious liberal arts colleges in America, located in Amherst, Massachusetts.

2. Bryn Mawr College: Known for its strong focus on women’s higher education and its close community, located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.

3. Carnegie Mellon University: A global research university well-regarded for its programs in computer science and fine arts, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

4. Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech): Renowned for its engineering and computer science programs, located in Atlanta, Georgia.

5. Johns Hopkins University: A leading global research university, particularly known for its medical school, based in Baltimore, Maryland.

6. Northeastern University: Known for its co-op program that integrates classroom learning with professional experience, located in Boston, Massachusetts.

7. Pomona College: A top-ranked liberal arts college noted for its small student-to-faculty ratio, in Claremont, California.

8. University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley): A premier public university known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation, located in Berkeley, California.

9. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC): Distinguished for its research and academic programs in engineering, CS, and business, located in Champaign, Illinois.

10. University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin): A major public research university, known for its business, engineering, and music programs, located in Austin, Texas.

Schools That Never Considered Legacy Status:

1. California Institute of Technology (Caltech): A world-renowned science and engineering institute, deeply focused on cutting-edge research.

2. The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art: Famous for its rigorous engineering, art, and architecture programs in New York City.

3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): A global powerhouse in technology and innovation.

4. University of Washington: A major public university, well-regarded for its medical and engineering programs, located in Seattle, Washington.

5. What are the pros and cons of legacy admissions?

PROS

• Helps build and maintain a strong, engaged alumni network.

• Helps maintain a multigenerational community and sense of tradition within institutions.

• Encourages donations which can be used for campus programs and financial aid for students with lesser financial means.

CONS

• Often exacerbates socio-economic and racial disparities by favoring predominantly wealthy, white applicants.

• Undermines meritocracy and can disadvantage deserving candidates without legacy ties.

6. What does this mean for you, the international student?

For international students, the ban could play a contributing role in leveling the playing field by ensuring admissions decisions are based solely on the applicants' qualifications and potential rather than their family's history with the institution. However, while this change is expected to foster a more diverse and inclusive student body, the impact is likely going to be felt more for domestic American students.

Nonetheless, the overall impact can only be positive. As this landmark decision unfolds, the reactions and adaptations of affected institutions will be closely watched and will undoubtedly influence broader discussions on admissions fairness both nationally and internationally.

7. Are any other states impacted or is this only a California thing?

As California sets a precedent with its ban on legacy admissions, other states are also examining their own admissions policies. New York, for example, is actively moving forward with the “Fair College Admissions Act,” which aims to prohibit both public and private colleges from giving preferential admissions treatment to children of alumni. This legislation includes provisions for fines against institutions that violate the law, signaling a strong commitment to reforming admissions practices.

Massachusetts is another state where similar measures are under consideration. A bill to eliminate legacy admissions is currently being reviewed by a legislative committee, reflecting a growing trend among states to address equity in higher education admissions.

This movement across various states underscores a significant shift towards more equitable college admissions practices, fueled by a broader national discourse on fairness and access in education. As these legislative efforts continue, we may see a wave of changes that could transform the landscape of higher education across the United States.

IN CLOSING

California's decision to ban legacy admissions is seen as a significant step towards increasing fairness and diversity in higher education, aligning with broader shifts in society towards equity and inclusion. This policy change is likely to spark further debate and potentially inspire similar legislation in other states, impacting both American and international students.

For further updates and detailed analysis, stay tuned to my newsletter.

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