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<p>It is simply not the same argument, sorry.</p>
<p>It is categorically different for an institution, which due to institutional needs, chooses to admit certain numbers of URM’s, athletes, musicians, actors, artists, AND legacies, than for an instution to systemically discriminate based on skin color. The two are not the same.</p>
<p>There are so many mitigating factors in admissions. First, the student meets a certain qualifying level academically and then they begin to cull through the rest to make a “class.” You might be admitted with a slightly lower standardized test score than me because the orchestra needs a tuba player. Someone else might be admitted with a slightly lower test score because the school needs to BUILD a new music building. And somebody else might be admitted with a slightly lower test score because I’m asian. </p>
<p>The fact is that there is no pure admission standards, and this is why this does not work. The institution has to do what is best for the institution. This may include some legacy developmental admits. Love it or hate it, it’s really no different than admitting a floutist because the school needs to have an orchestra. In the end, I highly doubt that they cannot find highly qualified legacy admits. Like it or not, IQ is somewhat genetic. Whether or not IQ beyond a certain point is even a valuable tool is up for debate, but as long as standardized test scores are being used, you are already on some pretty shaky ground. However, the efficacy of the admissions policy can probably be gauged by the 4 year graduation rate. Do these schools have particularly low graduation rates? Do legacy admits graduate at a consistently lower rate?</p>
<p>No.</p>
<p>For those unqualified, I really think most of these schools use a system of politely wait-listing legacies who have no chance of admissions, which arguably hurts the legacies way more than the school.</p>
<p>ETA: I have nothing to gain, neither of my children have the slightest interest in attending any of my schools or my husbands. Since we’re noting these things.</p>