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<p>DUE,
What with its open doors, open hearts, open minds policy and all of the egalitarian broo-haa-haa that is so much a part of how Cornell presents it self to the world; How does the university justify the Legacy system? I've seen the statistics.. it really is a significant advantage for you if your parents went to school here. As someone who got in with no familial connections, I can't help but think how upset i would have been if i'd been rejected while people who were less-qualified based on the admissions criteria were accepted because of something that I/they couldn't control. The same criticism (and it's a valid one) is leveled against affirmative action, but that is defensible because of its long-term objective (i'm not going to start on that debate here; suffice it to say that even its critics can acknowledge that there is at least some merit to what it is trying to do). The legacy system is giving people an advantage for no particular reason whatsoever. Is it a $ thing? Like, alums donate more if they know their kids are likely to go to the same school they did? If so, that's even a little more disturbing, as it virtually amounts to "selling" admissions preference when in our society today college admission is one of the most important events in determining peoples' future. So yeah, I'm sorry to seem like i'm being overly critical of the university that has given me a great academic home for the past few years, it's just one of those things that i don't understand and would like to; Thank you in advance!</p>
<p>Dear Thoughtful,</p>
<p>You are grappling with some tough questions, and ones that have been at the forefront of debate at the national level too. Have you been following some of the dialogue about affirmative action or Title IX? As with any admissions question there is no exact answer because admissions is not an exact formula. If it were, then admission officers would have a chart of qualifications, and if people fit a certain number of criteria, they would be accepted. Cornell and other colleges and universities strive to have a diverse student body with varying interests, strengths, and perspectives. As a result, I hope the following explanation helps to clarify the admissions process for you, although it may not entirely answer all of your questions.</p>
<p>The staff in the Undergraduate Admissions Office explain that legacies (applicants who have a connection to Cornell through a family member that was either a student or an employee) go through the same admissions process as any other applicant. There is no "fast lane" for legacy students. There is also a statement in the Big Red Book (the admissions prospectus) that explains "Cornell Families...The Cornell connection counts. Among applicants of roughly equal qualifications, children of alumni may receive preference. Please let us know if a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent attended Cornell, or if a member of your family is a Cornell employee." So it is true, that a student may receive some preference, but only if other things are equal.</p>
<p>One could debate the origin and "lifeblood" of the Cornell connection. Could the 13% legacy students in the class of 2006 be so considerable, not because of admissions selection, but due to a very high number of legacy applicants out of the total pool? The family connection may inspire a student to apply to Cornell,
and influence one to choose Cornell over other acceptances. Cornell becomes part of a family "identity", more important as our ties loosen in the busy and dispersed world. Could the geographical connection weigh in? In this case, could familiarity breed content? Are you the first in a long line of Cornellians in your family? I hope, if they so desire, we can be a great academic home to them.</p>
<p>i got good grades and ecs, 32.5 superscored act. mom went there. will legacy preference seal the deal?</p>