Number #3
[STORY TITLE]
Harvard and various universities’ effort to reduce legacy admission
Legacy admission has existed in our education systems
for a very long time as it cements family ties and
multigenerational loyalty. However, legacy admissions,
due to its high percentage, is restricting students from
having a chance to attend prestigious institutions in
America. Realizing the current issue with legacy
admission in American universities, Harvard University
is joining hands with other universities in America,
especially 02 other Ivy League universities: Yale
University and Dartmouth College to come up with a
set of solutions to ensure a fair atmosphere and an equal
chance for every of our potential students.
Harvard and other institutions are taking actions to
slowly, but surely monitor legacy admission. Firstly, we
are considering eliminating legacy as a factor when
evaluating students for federal aid scholarships in order
to promote equity and inclusion in scholarships
assessment. As there are multiple grants for potential
students, namely the Federal Pell Grant, Federal
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
(FSEOG), State Grants, students who would like to
apply for these grants would not be considered for
legacy admission. This is to ensure students to have an
opportunity to compete for aids to be able to enroll in
prestigious universities.
Yours Truly,
Secondly, we would like to slowly, but surely reduce the
high rate of legacy admissions by considering legacy is a
plus only if the applicant already has a solid record,
including community service and extensive involvement
in extracurricular activities. We would also requires
student to complete supplemental essays to demonstrate
their abilities and their interests in the university.
Thirdly, the outcome standards of students admitted
through legacy admission will be assessed exactly the
same as those who are admitted by normal methods to
ensure quality education among all of the university’s
students. We wish that all students upon graduation all
have excellent skillsets and knowledge to become future
leaders of our nation and the world. And finally,
Harvard and other universities are wishing to attribute
more endowment into creating more grants and
scholarships within the university that targets BIPOC,
low-income and first generation students to increase
their enrollment, commit to racial equity and help
bolster social mobility. We believe education is for
everyone, regardless of race or social status, and we
promise to provide the best opportunities for our
potential students.
All in all, parents, students, rest assured, as Harvard and
other institutions are taking action to ensure equal
opportunities for the future generations of the world
Lawrence S. Bacow
President
Harvard University