How Does Race Affect College Admissions?

There has been much discussion over how race affects college admissions. Some feel it’s an unfair burden, while others argue for greater racial diversity and inclusivity within schools.

This week the US Supreme Court heard two cases that could alter how universities manage admissions. One could put an end to decades-old affirmative action policies and the other significantly alters how colleges evaluate students’ backgrounds.

Background

Race is an unscientific classification of modern humans, sometimes based on physical characteristics like skin color, facial form or eye shape. It may also include ancestry, historical affiliation or shared cultural heritage.

College admissions are an opportunity to ensure students from diverse backgrounds and perspectives are represented within a college’s student body. By doing this, colleges can create an inclusive educational atmosphere that benefits all learners regardless of race or economic status.

Race is a contentious issue that has been the subject of multiple legal battles over time. Recently, the United States Supreme Court is expected to make a ruling regarding whether colleges can continue to consider race when making college admissions decisions.

Many find the idea of race-conscious admissions decisions unsettling. A majority of Americans do not support explicit racial preferences in admissions decisions and do not believe it is necessary to take into account these factors when making their decisions.

Some however, argue that racial preferences are essential to prevent discrimination and promote diversity in America’s higher educational institutions. They believe these policies can help restore the long-term harms done to people of different races due to discrimination in the past, promoting social integration on college campuses.

Racial preferences in the United States do promote racial diversity, yet there are numerous issues associated with them. One of the most serious is that they often lead to unintended consequences for students from nonpreferred racial groups, such as high dropout rates.

Another issue is the potential cost of policies. There is often misperception among Americans about what these costs actually entail, such as assuming black and Latino applicants would have been admitted if there weren’t any racial preferences in admissions; however, this assumption may not be correct.

Studies have consistently demonstrated that racial preferences do not have an effect on students’ educational quality or outcomes. For instance, there is little difference in how long it takes black and Hispanic students to complete a four-year degree after attending colleges with no racial preferences policies versus colleges with such policies in place.

Education

Education can be a complex and nuanced concept that differs greatly between individuals. At its core, it’s about knowing your purpose in life and developing yourself as a person – closely connected to both personal circumstances and what others expect of you.

Colleges often consider a student’s race when assessing admissions applications. This allows colleges to conduct an holistic evaluation of applicants that ensures they receive fair and comprehensive consideration for their application.

However, the US Supreme Court recently heard two cases that could drastically alter how universities manage admissions policies. These cases involved Harvard and North Carolina, both of which have long utilized race-conscious policies to increase enrollment of students from minority backgrounds.

Schools contend that their admissions policies create classes which reflect America’s diverse population, providing a more accurate representation of America’s demographics. Yet many people are challenging these policies and their validity.

Some criticize group preferences as detrimental to minorities and a waste of resources. They point out studies which demonstrate how group preferences result in higher dropout rates and decreased academic performance for students from minority backgrounds.

This argument is powerful, and it can be challenging to counter. However, group preferences do have a substantial influence on student dropout rates and academic performance.

According to MIT researchers Herrnstein and Murray’s study, majority of students from minority backgrounds have lower SAT scores than their non-minority peers – this includes both white and black youth.

It is therefore clear that race can have a major impact on an applicant’s chances of being accepted to top-tier colleges. For instance, those with lower SAT scores will be less likely to be accepted by more selective schools, potentially leaving black and Hispanic students without access to their dream schools. This highlights why affirmative action is so important; it helps people of color overcome the difficulties that come from not being granted admission into top universities.

Extracurricular Activities

Students aspiring to be successful in college must make time for activities outside the classroom. Doing so not only benefits their mental health, but it can also help them focus better on schoolwork.

According to the National Education Longitudininal Study (NELS), students who regularly engage in extracurricular activities tend to perform better academically than those who don’t. They’re more likely to have consistent attendance, higher grades and an intense desire to continue their education after high school.

Extracurriculars can be an excellent way to demonstrate your college readiness. For instance, being captain of a soccer team or founding your own club both demonstrate leadership qualities.

Though extracurriculars can have a beneficial effect on your school performance, it’s essential to remember that they take up valuable time. That is why selecting activities according to personality and academic objectives is so important.

Some of the most popular extracurriculars for students to pursue include sports, religious activities, social activism and clubs. All these activities will benefit them throughout their lives by building skills and providing them with opportunities to work with others.

It’s essential for students to find extracurricular activities they enjoy, otherwise it can be challenging to stay motivated with an extensive schedule.

Furthermore, students should engage in activities that have a tangible benefit on the community or world around them. Volunteering with a local nonprofit to clean up neighborhoods, bring food to those in need, or organize town festivals can all be beneficial when applying for college.

In addition to being an excellent way to become involved in your community, these activities also give students a chance to showcase their leadership abilities and demonstrate responsibility. This is especially valuable for students who will soon be entering the workforce.

Test Scores

College admissions departments frequently utilize test scores to assess how well-prepared students are for college. Schools also utilize standardized test results as a way of comparing applicants with similar high school backgrounds and grade point averages.

However, it is essential to remember that SAT and ACT scores are not a guarantee of college readiness. Many factors can influence how a student performs on these exams, such as low income status and student motivation.

Low-income students often face a significant disadvantage during the application process. Studies have revealed that income levels, along with race, have an enormous influence on standardized test scores.

The two most widely administered standardized tests in the United States are the SAT and ACT. These assessments assess a student’s reading, writing, and math proficiency. Since these assessments follow a standard curve pattern, most people score somewhere around average on these exams.

Another factor that can influence a student’s standardized test performance is their high school grades and extracurricular activities. A student with an inadequate GPA may be able to boost their score on the SAT or ACT by taking additional courses and increasing extracurricular involvement.

Students from wealthy families often benefit from attending high schools that provide AP classes, tutoring and extra time on standardized tests. These advantages can help high-achieving students boost their standardized test scores and boost their chances of acceptance to top-tier colleges.

Though a student’s GPA and extracurricular activities can make them stand out from other candidates, their standardized test scores are the deciding factor in whether or not they get into an elite college. Students who perform well on these exams may qualify for scholarships or grants that will assist with paying for college expenses.

In addition to test scores, colleges also take into account a student’s application essay and school recommendation when assessing their application. A good essay and recommendations can strengthen an applicant’s case; however, bad ones could prevent them from receiving scholarships or grants.