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Since Ivy League admissions data is a notoriously…

“Since Ivy League admissions data is a notoriously classified commodity, when when Harvard officials said in previous years that alumni kids were just better, you had to take their word. But then federal investigators came along and pried open those top-secret files. The Harvard guys were lying…” quote by John Larew
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““Since Ivy League admissions data is a notoriously classified commodity, when when Harvard officials said in previous years that alumni kids were just better, you had to take their word. But then federal investigators came along and pried open those top-secret files. The Harvard guys were lying. This past fall, after two years of study, the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) found that, far from being more qualified or equally qualified, the average admitted legacy at Harvard between 1981 and 1988 was significantly LESS qualified than the average admitted nonlegacy. Examining admissions office ratings on academics, extracurriculars, personal qualities, recommendations, and other categories, the OCR concluded that "with the exception of the athletic rating, [admitted] nonlegacies scored better than legacies in ALL areas of comparison." In his recent book, "Preferential Policies", Thomas Sowell argues that doling out special treatment encourages lackluster performance by the favored and resentment from the spurned. His far-ranging study flits from Malaysia to South Africa to American college campuses. Legacies don't merit a word.””

John Larew

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Harvard legacy admissions favor less qualified candidates; exposing systemic bias and prompting calls for merit‑based reforms.

In simple terms: Legacy admissions give advantage to less qualified heirs, revealing bias.

Key Takeaway

Advocate for transparent, merit‑based admissions.

Themes

education equity legacy bias meritocracy social justice

Mood

analytical critical

Type

Affirmative action:0 Civil rights:1 Class:0 Ivy league:1 Personal qualities:0 Privilege:1 Social science:0 Special treatment:1 Two years:0 Civil Right:0 Thomas Sowell:0 Legacy Harvard:1 Files Harvard:0 Nonlegacies Scored:1 Admitted Legacy:1

When to use this quote

  • college counseling
  • policy advocacy
  • public awareness campaigns

Key Concepts

institutional bias policy reform fairness in admissions

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can institutions dismantle legacy privilege?
  • What alternatives ensure fairness?
A Different Perspective

Changing entrenched traditions is politically challenging.

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