legacy admission

Definition

The practice of giving preferential treatment to applicants whose relatives attended the institution, because nothing says 'meritocracy' like hereditary advantage. Affirmative action for the already privileged.

Example Usage

He was a legacy admission with mediocre grades, while qualified students without connected parents got rejection letters.

Origin

Admissions practice formalized at elite universities in early 20th century

Fun Fact

Legacy applicants at elite universities are typically 2-3 times more likely to be admitted than non-legacy applicants with identical credentials

Source: Admissions policy terminology

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