Am I a Legacy

in_technicolor
Mon, 16 Mar 2009 22:16:55 +0000

Mal77: Stupid and uninformed? lololololol :)

Quoted from the Harvard Crimson:

"However small the boost to legacies is—and all indications are that it is considerably small—Harvard’s concession that it is a factor at all is significant. Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid William R. Fitzsimmons ’67 has told The Crimson that a student’s legacy status is merely a “tip factor” in deciding whether or not to admit a student. Legacies tend to be some of Harvard’s most qualified applicants, and most will likely still gain admission under a policy that does not consider their parents’ Harvard diplomas. We do not expect a renunciation of legacy preference to significantly change the makeup of the next year’s incoming class; rather, it is the public renunciation itself that is an important statement.

Harvard, more than any other university, is positioned to take a principled stance, one grounded in the essential value of fairness, when it comes to its admissions policies. More often than not, Harvard is rewarded—in its reputation, finances, and otherwise—for being a leader in higher education. Its history has been one of an evolving meritocracy, and ridding itself of legacy preference will be another bold step in that direction. There will surely be short-term feelings of alienation by some members of the alumni community, but over the long run, we are convinced that alumni will give back to Harvard and will love Harvard more as an institution that acts on principle."

Ouch. They play a small role, but still it’s no guarantee in. This is obvious. Of course Harvard is going to be fair. But to say legacies have NOTHING to do with admissions is clearly and overstatement. You seem to be the ignorant one.