Only 15% of legacy kids are admitted at Yale, which means that 85% do not get admitted. What being a legacy does it ensures that you get past the regional read to the full committee. If you are not up to snuff at that level, you will be denied like everyone else. I think people are confusing legacy with developmental admits. These are the kids of parents who have made mega donations. I am sure if the person who just donated $250 million toward the two new residential colleges at Yale had a kid who was applying, I am sure they would get in (disclaimer - I don’t even know who this person is or if they have kids). It would not bother me one bit to have this kid, however smart or talented they might be, sitting next to mine in class. There are 1,300 other kids in the class.