Legacy Admissions Are Fading- Here’s What That Means for You

For decades, legacy admissions—the practice of giving preferential treatment to applicants with family ties to alumni—quietly shaped who got into elite colleges. But the landscape is shifting. In the wake of the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision ending affirmative action, many colleges have faced renewed pressure to make their admissions processes more equitable. As a result, a growing number of schools are dropping legacy preferences altogether. If you're applying to college in 2025 or beyond, here’s what you need to know—and how it might impact your application strategy.

What Is Legacy Admissions—and Why Is It Controversial?

Legacy admissions have long been criticized for favoring wealthier, often white applicants whose families already had access to elite education. In a post-affirmative action era, critics argue that legacy preference only deepens inequality by making selective colleges less accessible to first-generation and underrepresented students.

Colleges That Have Recently Ended Legacy Preferences

Several high-profile schools have made headlines by dropping legacy admissions in the past few years:

Private Colleges and Universities:

• Wesleyan University

• Carleton College

• Occidental College

• Amherst College

• Pomona College

• Johns Hopkins University, MIT, Caltech, and Carnegie Mellon University (either never used legacy or explicitly no longer do)

Public Universities:

• University of Minnesota–Twin Cities

• Virginia Tech

• Texas A&M University

• University of Georgia System

State-Level Bans on Legacy Admissions

A few states are going even further by legislating bans on legacy admissions:

• California: A new law goes into effect Sept. 1, 2025, banning legacy and donor preferences at private colleges receiving state aid.

• Colorado: Public colleges have been barred from considering legacy since 2021.

• Virginia: A similar ban is now effective as of July 1, 2024

• Maryland: Legislation is moving forward to ban legacy consideration in public—and potentially private—institutions.

  
  

Why It Matters for Students

This trend signals a move toward more merit-based and inclusive admissions. For first-generation students or those without alumni ties, it levels the playing field. Over 1,300 institutions already report not considering legacy status, and the list is growing. If you’re crafting your college list or preparing your application, this shift may open up new opportunities, especially at schools once perceived as out of reach.

Legacy admissions aren’t gone yet, but they’re no longer a guaranteed advantage. As colleges respond to public pressure and shifting legal landscapes, students can expect a more transparent and equitable process—one that values their story and potential over their family tree. Keep an eye on schools changing their policies, and remember: your application should focus on what you bring to campus, not who came before you.