Key Takeaways
1. Legacy admissions perpetuate privilege and undermine meritocracy
"Like a modern-day Othello, Zucconi loved Brown not wisely but too well, and his excessive zeal on its behalf was his downfall."
Legacy preference entrenches inequality. At elite universities, children of alumni receive a significant advantage in admissions, often equivalent to hundreds of SAT points. This practice overwhelmingly benefits wealthy, white applicants and perpetuates social stratification.
Statistics reveal the scope:
- Legacy applicants are 2-4 times more likely to be admitted than other candidates
- At Harvard, 40% of legacy applicants are admitted vs. 11% overall
- Legacies make up 10-25% of students at many elite schools
Justifications fall short: Universities claim legacy admissions foster tradition and boost donations. However, evidence suggests alumni giving is not significantly impacted by legacy policies. The practice ultimately compromises academic standards and diversity.
2. Wealthy applicants gain unfair advantages through development admits
"There was no way anybody in the administrative office of the school thought he would on the merits get into Harvard."
Money talks in admissions. Many elite universities maintain lists of "development cases" - applicants from wealthy families expected to donate. These students often receive admission despite subpar academic credentials.
The price of admission:
- $100,000+ donation can influence admission at top-25 universities
- $250,000+ may sway decisions at top-10 schools
- Some families pledge millions to secure spots for their children
Ethical concerns abound: This practice further tilts admissions toward the wealthy and well-connected. It compromises academic integrity and takes spots from more qualified applicants of modest means.
3. Athletic recruitment favors affluent students in niche sports
"Title IX has evolved into an admissions giveaway to rich women."
Recruited athletes get a boost. While many assume athletic recruitment primarily benefits minority and low-income students, the reality is more complex. Many elite colleges give admissions preferences to athletes in upper-class sports rarely played in public schools.
Examples of favored sports:
- Crew
- Squash
- Fencing
- Equestrian
- Sailing
- Water polo
Title IX's unintended consequences: Efforts to achieve gender equity in college sports have led to the expansion of women's teams in these niche sports, further advantaging affluent applicants.
4. Faculty children receive preferential treatment in admissions
"We bend like crazy for faculty children."
Professors' kids get a leg up. Many universities offer free or reduced tuition to faculty children, along with preferential treatment in admissions. This perk is often more generous than legacy admissions.
The scope of the advantage:
- At Notre Dame, 70% of faculty/staff children are admitted vs. 19% overall
- Faculty children's SAT scores are often 100+ points below average admits
- Some schools admit nearly all qualified faculty children
Ethical quandary: While intended as a job benefit, this practice further disadvantages applicants without connections and raises questions of fairness.
5. Asian Americans face discrimination in elite college admissions
"Asian Americans are the new Jews, inheriting the mantle of the most disenfranchised group in college admissions."
A new ceiling. Despite strong academic credentials, Asian American applicants face higher standards for admission at many elite universities. This echoes historical discrimination against Jewish applicants.
Evidence of bias:
- Asian Americans need SAT scores 140 points higher than whites for equal chances
- Harvard consistently rated Asian Americans lower on "personal qualities"
- Admission rates for Asian Americans lag behind whites with similar credentials
Stereotyping persists: Admissions officers often view Asian applicants as one-dimensional "academic grinds," overlooking their individual qualities and diverse backgrounds.
6. International students struggle with financial barriers to admission
"It was horrible... I was at the point of thinking that probably I would not go to college."
Global talent faces hurdles. Many talented international students are shut out of U.S. universities due to financial barriers. Most schools offer limited aid to non-U.S. citizens, even as they court wealthy international applicants.
Key challenges:
- Ineligibility for federal financial aid
- Limited institutional aid for international students
- Higher tuition rates at public universities
Lost opportunities: This approach deprives U.S. universities of global talent and perpetuates a system that favors wealthy international students over those with the greatest academic potential.
7. Political influence shapes admissions decisions at top universities
"Little Johnny got in."
Power and politics sway admissions. Politicians and influential figures often leverage their connections to secure spots for their children or constituents at elite universities.
Examples of influence:
- Senators calling admissions offices on behalf of applicants
- Universities admitting children of key lawmakers who control funding
- Special consideration for "VIP" applicants flagged by development offices
Quid pro quo concerns: This practice raises questions about the integrity of admissions and the potential for political favors in exchange for admissions consideration.
8. Efforts to increase socioeconomic diversity face resistance
"To expand access for low-income students without abandoning the middle class, colleges have little choice but to dismantle the preferences of privilege."
Rhetoric vs. reality. While many universities have announced initiatives to increase enrollment of low-income students, progress has been limited. Entrenched preferences for wealthy and connected applicants make significant change difficult.
Obstacles to diversity:
- Fear of alienating wealthy donors and alumni
- Reluctance to reduce legacy and athletic preferences
- Limited slots available without expanding class sizes
The zero-sum game: Adding more low-income students often means displacing middle-class applicants without connections, rather than reducing spots for privileged applicants.
9. Caltech stands out for its merit-based admissions approach
"Nobody gets into Caltech because their families are rich, famous, or well connected; they get in because of their talent and passion for science, period."
A true meritocracy. The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a rare example of an elite university that admits students purely on academic merit, without considering legacy status, athletic ability, or donor potential.
Caltech's approach:
- No legacy preference (only 1.5% of admits are alumni children)
- No athletic scholarships or recruitment
- Limited consideration of faculty children
Results speak volumes: Caltech consistently produces top-tier research and graduates, demonstrating that merit-based admissions can yield excellence without compromising standards.
10. Berea College and Cooper Union offer alternative admissions models
"Berea ought to reserve its places for children who couldn't be educated otherwise."
Different paths to access. Two smaller institutions, Berea College and Cooper Union, demonstrate alternative approaches to admissions that prioritize merit and economic diversity.
Key features:
- Berea College: Admits only low-income students, all receive full tuition scholarships
- Cooper Union: Highly selective, merit-based admissions with no legacy or donor preference
Proving it's possible: These schools show that it's feasible to maintain academic excellence and financial stability without catering to wealthy and connected applicants.
11. Reform is needed to create a more equitable admissions system
"If we believe in diversity of class, ethnicity, origin, and interest among our students, then we must also embrace economic diversity."
Time for change. To truly level the playing field in college admissions, significant reforms are necessary. These changes would increase opportunities for talented students from all backgrounds.
Potential reforms:
- Eliminate legacy preferences
- End consideration of donor potential in admissions
- Reduce emphasis on niche sports in athletic recruitment
- Increase transparency in admissions practices
- Expand need-based financial aid
A fairer future: Implementing these changes would help elite universities better fulfill their mission of identifying and nurturing the most promising students, regardless of background or connections.
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FAQ
What's The Price of Admission about?
- Exposing admissions practices: The book investigates how elite colleges in America, such as Harvard and Duke, prioritize wealth and connections over merit in their admissions processes.
- Focus on privilege: It highlights the "preferences of privilege" that allow children of wealthy families, celebrities, and alumni to gain admission despite lacking the academic qualifications of other applicants.
- Call for reform: Author Daniel Golden presents a moral argument against these practices and suggests reforms to ensure that higher education remains a pathway for talent rather than privilege.
Why should I read The Price of Admission?
- Insightful investigation: The book provides a thorough examination of the college admissions process, revealing the hidden biases that favor affluent applicants.
- Impact on society: It discusses the broader implications of these admissions practices on social mobility and equality in education, making it relevant for anyone concerned about fairness in higher education.
- Recommendations for change: Golden offers actionable suggestions for reforming admissions policies, making it a valuable read for educators, policymakers, and parents.
What are the key takeaways of The Price of Admission?
- Admissions bias exists: The book illustrates that many elite universities prioritize legacy admissions and development cases, often at the expense of more qualified candidates.
- Socioeconomic inequality: Golden argues that these practices contribute to a growing divide in educational access and opportunity, reinforcing existing social hierarchies.
- Need for transparency: The author advocates for greater transparency in admissions processes and calls for universities to adopt wealth-blind admissions policies.
What are the best quotes from The Price of Admission and what do they mean?
- “The preferences of privilege are nonpartisan.” This quote emphasizes that admissions biases affect students across the political spectrum, highlighting the systemic nature of the issue.
- “To stifle talent and exalt mediocrity is to weaken the country's economic competitiveness and political leadership.” Golden argues that admitting underqualified students undermines the potential for innovation and leadership in society.
- “When elite college admissions go to the highest bidders, we all pay the price.” This statement encapsulates the book's central thesis that the consequences of admissions practices extend beyond individual students to society as a whole.
How does The Price of Admission define "preferences of privilege"?
- Definition of the term: Golden uses "preferences of privilege" to describe the advantages given to wealthy and well-connected applicants in the college admissions process.
- Examples of privilege: This includes legacy admissions, where children of alumni receive preferential treatment, and development cases, where donations influence admissions decisions.
- Impact on meritocracy: The book argues that these preferences undermine the meritocratic ideals that higher education is supposed to uphold, leading to a less diverse and less capable student body.
What specific recommendations does Daniel Golden make in The Price of Admission?
- Wealth-blind admissions: Golden suggests that universities should adopt admissions policies that do not consider an applicant's financial background or family connections.
- Transparency in admissions: He advocates for greater transparency in how admissions decisions are made, including public reporting on the demographics of admitted students.
- Limit legacy admissions: The author calls for a reevaluation of legacy admissions policies, arguing that they should be significantly curtailed or eliminated to promote fairness.
How does The Price of Admission address the issue of racial diversity in college admissions?
- Racial preferences vs. legacy preferences: Golden discusses how the debate around affirmative action often overlooks the significant advantages that legacy admissions provide to white applicants.
- Impact on minorities: The book highlights that while minority students may benefit from affirmative action, the number of white students benefiting from legacy preferences far exceeds that of minorities.
- Need for a balanced approach: Golden argues for a more equitable admissions process that considers both racial and socioeconomic diversity without favoring one group over another.
What role do athletic recruits play in the admissions process according to The Price of Admission?
- Admissions advantages for athletes: The book reveals that recruited athletes often receive significant admissions advantages, even in sports that are predominantly played by affluent students.
- Impact on diversity: While athletic recruits can enhance diversity, Golden points out that many of these athletes come from privileged backgrounds, which can perpetuate existing inequalities.
- Questioning merit: The author raises concerns about whether the athletic talent of recruits justifies their admission over more academically qualified candidates.
How does The Price of Admission illustrate the connection between college admissions and socioeconomic status?
- Admissions and wealth correlation: Golden demonstrates that wealthier families are more likely to have children who gain admission to elite colleges due to their access to resources like private schools and tutors.
- Impact on social mobility: The book argues that these admissions practices contribute to a lack of social mobility, as they favor the already privileged and limit opportunities for lower-income students.
- Need for reform: Golden emphasizes that addressing these disparities is crucial for creating a more equitable educational landscape.
What examples does The Price of Admission provide of specific cases of admissions bias?
- Case studies of applicants: The book includes numerous anecdotes of students, such as Harrison Frist and Albert Gore III, who were admitted to prestigious universities despite lacking strong academic records due to their family connections.
- Comparison with other applicants: Golden contrasts these cases with those of more qualified applicants who were rejected, illustrating the unfairness of the admissions process.
- Broader implications: These individual stories serve to highlight the systemic issues within college admissions that favor wealth and privilege over merit.
How does The Price of Admission propose to reform college admissions?
- Abolish Legacy Preference: Golden argues for the elimination of legacy admissions to create a fairer and more equitable admissions process.
- Establish a Firewall: The book suggests creating a clear separation between fund-raising and admissions to prevent conflicts of interest.
- Implement Conflict-of-Interest Policies: Golden advocates for policies that would prevent admissions staff from evaluating applicants with whom they have personal connections.
What are the implications of legacy admissions discussed in The Price of Admission?
- Perpetuation of Inequality: Legacy admissions are shown to reinforce social stratification, allowing wealthy families to maintain their status in elite institutions.
- Impact on Diversity: The book suggests that legacy admissions contribute to a lack of diversity in student bodies, as they favor predominantly white, affluent applicants.
- Need for Reform: Golden advocates for the elimination of legacy preferences to create a more equitable admissions process.
Review Summary
The Price of Admission exposes the unfair advantages given to wealthy, well-connected applicants in elite college admissions. Readers found the book eye-opening but repetitive, praising its investigative journalism while critiquing its cynicism. Many were dismayed by the extent of preferential treatment for legacies, athletes, and development cases. The book sparked discussions on meritocracy, Asian American discrimination, and potential reforms. While some felt the solutions proposed were unrealistic, most agreed the book shed important light on systemic inequities in higher education.
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