The California Legislature has passed a bill that will ban the consideration of legacy status in admissions decisions at private colleges and universities in the state. The bill, AB 2021, was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 28, 2023, and will take effect on January 1, 2025.
The ban on legacy preferences is a significant victory for advocates of equity and access in higher education. Legacy preferences give an unfair advantage to students whose parents or grandparents attended the same college or university. This advantage can be substantial, as legacy students are often given a boost in the admissions process, even if their academic credentials are not as strong as other applicants.
The ban on legacy preferences will level the playing field for all students, regardless of their family background. It will ensure that admissions decisions are based on merit, not on nepotism.
The Legacy Advantage in California
Legacy preferences have been a common practice at private colleges and universities in California for many years. According to a 2022 report by the California State Auditor, 30% of all students admitted to private colleges and universities in the state were legacy students.
The legacy advantage is particularly pronounced at some of the most prestigious private colleges and universities in California. For example, at Stanford University, 44% of all students admitted in 2022 were legacy students. At the University of California, Berkeley, 36% of all students admitted in 2022 were legacy students.
The legacy advantage has been criticized for giving an unfair advantage to students from wealthy and privileged families. A 2021 study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that legacy students are more likely to come from families with high incomes and high levels of education. The study also found that legacy students are more likely to be white and male.
The Ban on Legacy Preferences
The ban on legacy preferences at private colleges and universities in California is a significant step towards creating a more equitable and just admissions process. The ban will ensure that all students, regardless of their family background, have a fair chance of being admitted to the college or university of their choice.
The ban on legacy preferences is a victory for all Californians who believe in fairness and opportunity. It is a step towards creating a more just and equitable society.
What Does the Ban Mean for Students?
The ban on legacy preferences means that all students, regardless of their family background, will have a fair chance of being admitted to the college or university of their choice. Students who are applying to private colleges and universities in California should focus on their academic credentials and extracurricular activities. They should also make sure to write a strong personal statement that highlights their unique talents and abilities.
Tips for Students Applying to College
Here are some tips for students applying to college:
- Start your college search early.
- Visit colleges and universities that interest you.
- Talk to your high school counselor about your college options.
- Get good grades in your classes.
- Take challenging courses.
- Get involved in extracurricular activities.
- Write a strong personal statement.
- Apply to a variety of colleges and universities.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when applying to college:
- Don’t procrastinate.
- Don’t apply to too many colleges.
- Don’t only apply to colleges that are considered “prestigious.”
- Don’t rely on legacy preferences.
- Don’t give up if you don’t get into your first-choice college.
FAQs
1. What is legacy preference?
Legacy preference is a policy that gives an advantage to students whose parents or grandparents attended the same college or university.
2. Why has legacy preference been banned in California?
Legacy preference has been banned in California because it gives an unfair advantage to students from wealthy and privileged families.
3. What does the ban on legacy preference mean for students?
The ban on legacy preference means that all students, regardless of their family background, will have a fair chance of being admitted to the college or university of their choice.
4. When does the ban on legacy preference take effect?
The ban on legacy preference takes effect on January 1, 2025.
5. What are some tips for students applying to college?
Some tips for students applying to college include:
- Start your college search early.
- Visit colleges and universities that interest you.
- Talk to your high school counselor about your college options.
- Get good grades in your classes.
- Take challenging courses.
- Get involved in extracurricular activities.
- Write a strong personal statement.
- Apply to a variety of colleges and universities.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
6. What are some common mistakes to avoid when applying to college?
Some common mistakes to avoid when applying to college include:
- Don’t procrastinate.
- Don’t apply to too many colleges.
- Don’t only apply to colleges that are considered “prestigious.”
- Don’t rely on legacy preferences.
- Don’t give up if you don’t get into your first-choice college.