Consider This from NPR Affirmative Action — For The Rich
Jul 27, 2023
Join economist John Friedman, a professor at Brown University and co-author of a pivotal study on legacy admissions, as he dives into the controversial world of college admissions. Friedman discusses how the end of race-conscious admissions has intensified the scrutiny of legacy preferences, which often favor the affluent. He highlights the socioeconomic disparities these practices create and their long-term impact on social mobility. With rising calls for change, he analyzes the evolving landscape of elite education and the urgent need for greater diversity.
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Legacy Admissions Benefit the Wealthy
- Legacy admissions give an advantage to children of alumni.
- This contributes to the overrepresentation of high-income students at elite institutions.
Factors Favoring High-Income Students
- Two main factors contribute to high-income students' overrepresentation: legacy preferences and athletic recruitment.
- Non-academic credentials, often stronger among affluent students, also play a role.
Elite Schools as Gateways
- Elite schools act as gateways to leadership positions, despite their small student population.
- Diversity in these schools is crucial due to their influence on societal leadership.