Sep 5, 2025
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Stanford University has confirmed that it will continue to consider legacy and donor ties in admissions, even as California prepares to ban these preferences at private colleges.
In September 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1780, which prohibits colleges that participate in state financial aid programs (such as Cal Grant) from giving admissions preference to legacy and donor applicants. The law took effect on September 1, 2025.
Rather than adjust its policy, Stanford recently announced that it will withdraw from the Cal Grant program. The university will fund scholarships directly, allowing it to maintain legacy and donor considerations in its admissions process.
Stanford’s decision highlights its commitment to preserving its admissions structure—even at the cost of state aid. The move has drawn national attention and sparked ongoing debate about the admissions process. When earning a spot at Stanford is so coveted and competitive, any policy change has the potential to shape a propsective student’s future opportunities.
Legacy and donor ties are not a new factor in Stanford admissions. According to data Stanford submitted to the California legislature:
Stanford has not released data in the past few years, but we have reason to believe legacy admissions numbers remain in a similar range. Stanford remains one of the most selective schools in the country. For the Class of 2029, the reported acceptance rate was just under 4%.
Students often wonder how legacy policies affect such a competitive applicant pool. Without more transparency, it is difficult to know whether the high number of legacy admits reflects self-selection among already high-achieving families or meaningful preference in the process. What remains clear is that Stanford admits very few students, and nearly all successful applicants demonstrate exceptional academic and personal achievements.
If you’re considering Stanford, focus on the factors within your control:
Admissions policies may shift from year to year, but Stanford’s selectivity does not. The university consistently looks for students with intellectual curiosity, leadership potential, and a clear sense of purpose.
If Stanford is your goal, concentrate on building the strongest academic and extracurricular foundation possible. Craft a narrative that reflects who you truly are, and approach the process with authenticity. Whether or not you have legacy status, the students who stand out are those who present themselves as unique, motivated, and ready to contribute meaningfully to the campus community.
Stanford University has confirmed that it will continue to consider legacy and donor ties in admissions, even as California prepares to ban these preferences at private colleges.
In September 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1780, which prohibits colleges that participate in state financial aid programs (such as Cal Grant) from giving admissions preference to legacy and donor applicants. The law took effect on September 1, 2025.
Rather than adjust its policy, Stanford recently announced that it will withdraw from the Cal Grant program. The university will fund scholarships directly, allowing it to maintain legacy and donor considerations in its admissions process.
Stanford’s decision highlights its commitment to preserving its admissions structure—even at the cost of state aid. The move has drawn national attention and sparked ongoing debate about the admissions process. When earning a spot at Stanford is so coveted and competitive, any policy change has the potential to shape a propsective student’s future opportunities.
Legacy and donor ties are not a new factor in Stanford admissions. According to data Stanford submitted to the California legislature:
Stanford has not released data in the past few years, but we have reason to believe legacy admissions numbers remain in a similar range. Stanford remains one of the most selective schools in the country. For the Class of 2029, the reported acceptance rate was just under 4%.
Students often wonder how legacy policies affect such a competitive applicant pool. Without more transparency, it is difficult to know whether the high number of legacy admits reflects self-selection among already high-achieving families or meaningful preference in the process. What remains clear is that Stanford admits very few students, and nearly all successful applicants demonstrate exceptional academic and personal achievements.
If you’re considering Stanford, focus on the factors within your control:
Admissions policies may shift from year to year, but Stanford’s selectivity does not. The university consistently looks for students with intellectual curiosity, leadership potential, and a clear sense of purpose.
If Stanford is your goal, concentrate on building the strongest academic and extracurricular foundation possible. Craft a narrative that reflects who you truly are, and approach the process with authenticity. Whether or not you have legacy status, the students who stand out are those who present themselves as unique, motivated, and ready to contribute meaningfully to the campus community.
Former Admissions Officer, Harvard University
Former Assistant Dean, Stanford University
As a College Counselor I help students navigate the college admissions process. My goal is to help students stand out and get accepted to their top-choice schools.
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