Today, we’re speaking with Caroline Koppelman, Founder and CEO of The Koppelman Group, and the leading expert on legacy admissions in the United States. Caroline advises families navigating some of the most competitive college admissions processes in the country.
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New Frontiers: Legacy admissions have been in the spotlight in recent years. How would you describe where they stand today?
Caroline: Legacy admissions still exist, but they don’t function the way many families think they do. The biggest shift is that legacy status no longer operates as a meaningful shortcut. Colleges are making decisions within a much more constrained, competitive, and values-driven framework. Legacy can provide context, but it rarely carries weight on its own. Families who assume it guarantees anything are often surprised by the outcome.
New Frontiers: Why do you think legacy admissions are so often misunderstood?
Caroline: Most families are working with outdated information. They’re relying on stories from decades ago or advice that hasn’t kept up with how admissions offices actually operate today. The reality is that selectivity has increased dramatically, and colleges are far more intentional about shaping each class. Legacy status doesn’t override academic preparation, engagement, or fit, and it will never compensate for a weak application.
New Frontiers: How do you see colleges thinking about legacy applicants going forward?
Caroline: Colleges are increasingly focused on alignment rather than entitlement. They’re asking whether a student is prepared to thrive on campus and contribute meaningfully to the community. Legacy status might explain a connection to the institution, but it doesn’t change the core evaluation. In many cases, colleges are scrutinizing legacy applicants more closely, not less, because expectations are higher.
New Frontiers: Does this shift change how families should approach the admissions process?
Caroline: Very much so. Legacy families need to be more strategic, not more confident. That means understanding each school’s current priorities and approaching the process with realism. Legacy can open a door to consideration, but it doesn’t walk a student through it. Families who recognize that early tend to make smarter decisions throughout the process.
New Frontiers: New Frontiers focuses on executive functioning – skills like planning, prioritization, and follow-through. Do you see those skills playing a role in successful admissions outcomes, particularly for legacy families?
Caroline: Absolutely. Executive functioning is at the core of a strong admissions strategy, even if families don’t always label it that way. The students who perform best in this process are the ones who can manage long timelines, balance competing priorities, and follow through consistently. That matters even more for legacy families, because the margin for error is often much smaller than they expect.
New Frontiers: How does that show up in practice?
Caroline: Admissions strategy isn’t a single decision; it’s hundreds of small ones made over time. When students struggle with planning or prioritization, important details slip through the cracks: deadlines get rushed, narratives feel scattered, or opportunities to demonstrate engagement are missed. Executive functioning skills help students stay organized, intentional, and responsive rather than reactive.
New Frontiers: Do you see executive functioning as something students can build during the process?
Caroline: Definitely. Admissions is actually a powerful training ground for these skills. Students who learn how to plan, manage feedback, and adjust strategy develop habits that serve them well in college and beyond. For families, recognizing that admissions success depends on how effectively you manage the process as a unit is crucial.
New Frontiers: You’ve worked with high-achieving families for years. What patterns do you see among those who adapt well to these changes?
Caroline: The families who do best are the ones who let go of assumptions quickly. They focus on building a strong, coherent application rather than leaning on perceived advantages. They also understand that admissions outcomes reflect systems and constraints, not personal judgments. That perspective keeps them grounded and helps them respond strategically rather than emotionally.
New Frontiers: Looking ahead, what do you think the future holds for legacy admissions?
Caroline: Legacy admissions will continue to evolve, and they’ll look different from school to school. Some institutions may reduce their role, others may define it more narrowly – but complexity isn’t going away. Families who treat legacy as one variable within a larger strategy, rather than as a defining advantage, will be far better positioned moving forward.
New Frontiers: Final question – why does this conversation matter beyond admissions?
Caroline: Because college admissions shape how families understand opportunity and success. When people rely on myths instead of current realities, they make avoidable mistakes. Clear information leads to better decisions, not just about where to apply, but about how students approach challenges long after admissions is over.
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As the leading expert on legacy admissions in the United States, Caroline Koppelman brings clarity to a topic often clouded by assumption and tradition. Her perspective reflects a broader shift in higher education, one that rewards informed strategy, adaptability, and a clear understanding of how institutions are changing.
