University of Virginia, McIntire School of Commerce

This State Just Banned Legacy Admissions

Virginia is banning legacy admissions at its public colleges.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed a new bill into law ending legacy admissions at the state’s public colleges and universities last Friday. The new law mandates schools to stop granting admissions advantages to applicants with connections to alumni or donors.

“Governor Youngkin has consistently advocated for merit-based admissions to Virginia’s colleges and universities,” Christian Martinez, a spokesperson with the governor’s office, tells NPR. “In Virginia, students can be encouraged to know their hard work and academic career will be recognized on its merit.”

NEW LAW GOES INTO EFFECT JULY 1

The new law passed unanimously in the Virginia House and Senate and will take effect July 1. By then, most college admissions decisions will have already been made for the upcoming academic year.

Virginia Tech took it upon itself last year to ditch the legacy admissions practice as well as early decision.

“The previous expectation in the early decision plan that students lock in their commitment to Virginia Tech well before the regular decision deadline was not a good option for all of our applicants, particularly those needing financial aid, and created unneeded pressure on students,” Juan Espinoza, associate vice provost for enrollment management, says. “By eliminating early decision, we are simplifying our application process and also leveling the playing field for all students, regardless of their household income.”

Virginia joins Colorado as the only two states in the U.S. that have banned legacy admissions. Similar bills are being considered in Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

Sources: NPR, Virginia Tech