All Else Equal: Making Better Decisions Ep52 “Should Legacy Admissions at Universities Be Illegal?” with Patrick Awuah
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Dec 11, 2024 
Patrick Awuah, President of Ashesi University in Ghana, shares his innovative vision for higher education. He dives into the controversial topic of legacy admissions, weighing their ethical implications against the benefits of financial contributions. The conversation spans the differences between American and European education systems, exploring how Ashesi balances economic sustainability with inclusivity. Awuah emphasizes the critical need for socioeconomic diversity in university admissions and advocates for merit-based approaches that open doors for all.
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Legacy Admissions Trade-offs
- Legacy admissions involve trade-offs between fairness and university resources.
- Private universities depend on donations, often tied to legacy connections, which fund financial aid.
Awuah's Motivation
- Patrick Awuah started Ashesi University to improve development in Ghana through higher education.
- He aimed to teach critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethics for a better society.
Ashesi's Economic Model
- Ashesi University's model aims for financial self-sufficiency and accessibility.
- Tuition from wealthy students cross-subsidizes those who cannot afford it, fostering diverse dialogue.