College admissions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

College admissions - Essay Example However, there are many institutions, where still legacy applicants are prioritized. In the article, â€Å"Preserve Universities’ Rights to Shape Students Community†, the author describes about Dickinson College in which, students’ â€Å"chance of admission shoots up to 75 %† on the basis their linkage to some person who has remained associated with the college. There are various reasons as to why universities prioritize applicants in terms of legacies. Admissions are given on the basis of the donations that are given by the parents or guardians of applicants. Other reasons given in the article, â€Å"Preserve Universities’ Rights to Shape Students Community† (351) are the students who get admission on the basis of legacy are able to strengthen the traditional set up of the institution and also their parents are very supportive in the activities of the institution. It is also reported that the students that are selected on the basis of legacy have â€Å"stronger academic records†. However, these reasons cannot be justified because the educational authorities have no reason to give admission to an applicant on the basis of legacy and reject a meritorious one. According to Howell and Turner, â€Å"history of legacy admissions in America is tied to an unpleasant history of race and ethnicity† (344) due to which, this is quite clear that legacy admissions cannot be termed as righteous action by the authorities. The writers emphasize the unjustified criterion of admission on the basis of legacy that is imposed on the applicants. The applicants who have legacy rights have nearly double chances to get admission as compared to other applicants. Howell and Turner have included survey results into their article, â€Å"The History of Legacy Admissions†, which describe about use of legacy policies in public and private institutions. According to them, â€Å"both public and