Affirmative Action’s Impact on College Admissions: Five Possible Transformations

Supreme Court Affirmative Action Ruling: Five Ways College Admissions Could Change

The Supreme Court’s decision

The recent Supreme Court ruling that struck down race-conscious admissions programs at the University of North Carolina is expected to have significant implications for college admissions across the country. While the decision is likely to lead to a decrease in the number of Black and Hispanic students at selective colleges, it also opens the door to other potential changes in the admissions process. Here are five key ways that college admissions could change as a result of the ruling.

The importance of the personal essay

One of the notable points in the Supreme Court’s ruling is the emphasis placed on the personal essay. The Court stated that universities can still consider an applicant’s discussion of how race affected their life, as long as it is tied to a specific quality of character or unique ability that the applicant can contribute to the university. This means that college essays may take on a different tone and subject matter in the future, focusing more on personal challenges and experiences rather than extracurricular activities or family background.

Potential elimination of standardized tests

The pandemic has already prompted many colleges and universities to temporarily drop standardized test requirements, and this trend could continue as a result of the Supreme Court ruling. Critics argue that standardized tests, such as the SAT and ACT, favor students from wealthier families and perpetuate racial disparities in admissions. With the possibility of lawsuits looming, some colleges may choose to permanently eliminate these requirements. The University of California system has already adopted a “test blind” policy, meaning that it does not consider test scores even if students submit them.

Ending preferences for the wealthy

Another potential change in college admissions is the elimination of preferential treatment for children of alumni, donors, and faculty. While many colleges have defended this practice as a way to build community and facilitate fundraising, Justice Neil M. Gorsuch criticized Harvard in his concurring opinion for not getting rid of this preference. President Biden has also pledged to analyze legacy admissions and other practices that expand privilege rather than opportunity. Some colleges, such as the California Institute of Technology and Johns Hopkins University, have already abandoned these preferences.

A new measure of merit: adversity indexes

In response to the Supreme Court ruling, President Biden has called for a “new standard” to judge applicants. In addition to test scores and grades, he suggests that schools consider the adversity a student has overcome as a factor in admissions decisions. Some colleges are already taking this approach and factoring in a student’s background or socioeconomic diversity in their admissions process. This new measure of merit aims to recognize the resilience and determination of students who have faced significant challenges.

Increased efforts in recruiting

Selective colleges are now expected to go beyond waiting for applications and actively reach out to potential students. The University of Virginia, for example, has announced a plan to target high schools that have historically had little representation in their applicant pool. This proactive approach aims to increase diversity and access to higher education by ensuring that students from disadvantaged schools are aware of and have the opportunity to apply to selective colleges. The University of California’s existing program, which provides academic support and college admissions advice to low-income communities, could serve as a model for these efforts.

Editorial: The Complexities of Affirmative Action

Ensuring diversity and equal opportunity

The Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action in college admissions has once again brought to the forefront the complex issues surrounding diversity and equal opportunity. While the decision has particular implications for race-conscious admissions, it also raises broader questions about how to create fair and inclusive admissions processes that benefit students from all backgrounds.

Philosophical debate on merit and fairness

One of the central debates surrounding affirmative action is the tension between merit and fairness. Critics argue that considering race or other factors in admissions decisions undermines the principle of meritocracy, where students are judged solely on their academic achievements and abilities. However, proponents of affirmative action point out that this approach fails to acknowledge the structural inequalities that certain groups face and can perpetuate systemic disadvantages.

Importance of holistic review

An important aspect of the Supreme Court’s ruling is the reaffirmation of the value of holistic review in college admissions. The Court acknowledges that universities have a compelling interest in a diverse student body, which includes considering a range of factors beyond grades and test scores. Holistic review allows admissions officers to evaluate applicants in a more comprehensive and contextualized manner, taking into account their unique backgrounds, experiences, and potential contributions to the campus community.

Challenges of implementation

While the ruling provides some clarity on what is permissible in admissions practices, it also presents challenges for colleges and universities. Balancing the need to follow the law while still promoting diversity and equal opportunity is a delicate task. Institutions will need to carefully consider how to navigate the changing landscape of admissions and ensure that their policies are fair, transparent, and effective in achieving their diversity goals.

Advice for Colleges and Applicants

Colleges

For colleges and universities, it is crucial to proactively address the changing landscape of college admissions. Institutions should consider various strategies to promote diversity, such as expanding outreach efforts to underrepresented communities, revisiting their admissions criteria to eliminate biases, and implementing holistic review processes. It is also essential for colleges to ensure that they provide support and resources to students from diverse backgrounds to promote their success and retention on campus.

Applicants

For prospective college applicants, it is essential to understand the evolving admissions landscape and adapt accordingly. Given the potential changes in the application process, applicants should focus on developing a well-rounded profile that highlights their unique experiences, achievements, and contributions. Instead of solely relying on test scores, applicants should invest time in crafting a personal essay that showcases their character, challenges, and resilience. Additionally, applicants should actively seek out resources and support networks that can assist them in navigating the admissions process, especially if they come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action in college admissions has sparked discussions about the future of admissions policies and practices. While the decision has immediate implications, it also invites broader conversations about the complexities of diversity, merit, and fairness. Both colleges and applicants must adapt to these changes, ensuring that admissions processes are inclusive, equitable, and conducive to fostering a diverse and enriching educational environment.