Definition
In higher education, a polite term for institutional nepotism where being related to an alumnus gives applicants a significant admissions advantage. Universities defend this practice by claiming it builds "tradition" and "community," which coincidentally also builds endowment funds when grateful legacy parents write large checks. It's the academic version of a VIP list, where your last name matters as much as your test scores.
Example Usage
Despite his mediocre grades, Brad got into Yale as a legacy admit—his father's donation of a new library wing certainly didn't hurt.
Source: Common educational terminology
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See “legacy” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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