"I see affirmative action as a band-aid on a grievous wound. It's almost insulting to all involved, and hangs over the head of those that have become competitive for college admission despite racism and poverty." (seriously how DO you do the little gray text things indicating a quote? Is that on the help page or something? Anyway...)
I 100% agree. There are so many issues with affirmative action; its obvious we need a better system but how do we attain this? "Also, legacy admissions are vile" You know, I actually don't really mind legacy admissions that much, even though I myself am not one. The dirty little secret is that institutions are also businesses, they exist to make money on some level. Legacies are more likely to donate. Donations mean more resources for the school like better technology or renovated dorms. Sure, everyone wonders why George W Bush, bless him, got into an Ivy League institution, but if that meant say, better food in the cafeteria, I'll take it. It's no different then preferential admission to children of say, celebrities. All of them, in my view are necessary evils. On a completely random side note, did you know that I recently found out that my school holds a separate pre-orientation for the families of super wealthy students, in an effort to woo them to donate? If that is not the most elitist, twisted thing I have ever heard, I don't know what is. I mean sure, donations are necessary things, but come on.
Wealthy kids have plenty going for them. I don't fear that universities would be underfunded if alumni couldn't get admissions for their money. IMHO it's socially acceptable corruption, -paying for something undeserved.You know, I actually don't really mind legacy admissions that much, even though I myself am not one. The dirty little secret is that institutions are also businesses, they exist to make money on some level. Legacies are more likely to donate.