"Diversity" in college admissions

In a typical freshman class of an Ivy League school,
(11% are international students and are not considered)

21% are 'underrepresented minorities' (Black, Latino, Native American, Pacific Islander, etc.)
10% are 'legacies' (parents associated with college or donated lots of money)
7% are athletic recruits
9% of remaining (5% of total) are from 'underrepresented states' (states that for some reason are less academically solid)
8% of remaining (5% of total) have suffered extreme hardships, are from extremely poor neighborhoods, or are first-generation college students

This means that only 41% of an incoming class will be admitted without these factors, which, despite having nothing to do with a student's academic ability, can greatly benefit the applicant's chances.

(These numbers are averages based on many 'freshman class profiles')