Elite MBA Programs Preferred by Children of Affluent Families: Research Findings

Last Updated on July 27, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes

Title: Wealth and Legacy Factors Contribute to Unequal Ivy Plus College Admissions, Study Finds

Word Count: 380

A recent study conducted by Opportunity Insights, a group of economists from Harvard University, has revealed that children from the top 1% income bracket have a significantly higher chance of being admitted to Ivy Plus colleges, despite no notable difference in standardized test scores compared to students from other income groups. This finding sheds light on the perceived bias towards wealth and legacy when it comes to college admissions.

The study analyzed data from three Ivy Plus colleges, including standardized test scores, parental tax records, and internal admissions records. Shockingly, it discovered that approximately 40% of the wealthiest students with top percentile scores were attending Ivy Plus colleges. In contrast, equally qualified but financially disadvantaged students had considerably lower admission rates.

The study pinpoints three primary factors contributing to this admission gap. Firstly, there is a preference for children of alumni, commonly referred to as “legacy students.” Secondly, wealthier students tend to receive higher non-academic ratings, which boost their admissions chances. Lastly, well-to-do students have a greater likelihood of being recruited as student-athletes, thus securing their spot at a prestigious institution.

The impact of Ivy Plus colleges on shaping the nation’s elite is far-reaching. Graduates from these institutions disproportionately occupy top income positions, become US Senators, Rhodes scholars, and even Supreme Court justices. However, given the growing concern about fairness and social mobility, attention is increasingly shifting towards the contribution of wealth and legacy admissions to inequality, especially in light of the end of race-based affirmative action.

The US Department of Education has recently launched a federal civil rights probe against Harvard University, claiming that the admissions process demonstrates favoritism towards legacy students. This investigation highlights the growing scrutiny on how elite institutions admit students and whether wealth and familial ties play an unjustifiable role in the process.

Requests for comments from the Ivy Plus colleges have yet to receive a response. While their side of the story remains unknown, this study undoubtedly evokes conversations about the need for transparency and fairness in the college admissions process.

As discussions about equality and social mobility continue, it appears that the world of higher education must confront and address the role of wealth and legacy admissions in perpetuating privilege. To truly achieve a level playing field, the disparities unveiled by this study must be acknowledged and rectified. People are now eagerly awaiting how the Ivy Plus colleges respond to these revelations, as their actions will shape the future of admissions and pave the way for a more equitable educational landscape.