Stanford’s Legacy Admissions and Testing Policy in 2026
Stanford keeps legacy admissions and restores test requirements, sparking debate on fairness and access.
Matilda
Stanford’s Legacy Admissions and Testing Policy in 2026 Stanford Legacy Admissions: A Controversial Decision for 2026 Stanford University has confirmed that it will keep its legacy admissions policy for the 2026 academic year, a move that has stirred debate among educators, students, and policymakers. Legacy admissions refer to giving preference to applicants with family members who previously attended the institution. For many, this decision raises questions about fairness, equality, and the role elite universities play in shaping opportunity. In addition, Stanford will end its test-optional policy and once again require SAT or ACT scores. These changes have far-reaching implications not only for applicants but also for the broader conversation about access to higher education. Image Credits:Photo by David Madison / Getty Images / Getty Images By maintaining legacy admissions, Stanford signals a continued commitment to its long-standing traditions, even at the cost of withdrawing from California’s Cal Grant program, which offers state financ…