3 answers
Rex
Student
Hingham, Massachusetts
1
Question
Updated
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Is race an aspect colleges look at when selecting students?
Looking for a good college.
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3 answers
Keyston Rice
Supervisor
178
Answers
Lawrence, IN
Updated
Keyston’s Answer
Yeah, colleges often consider diversity, including race, when admitting students. But remember, your worth isn't defined by just that. Look for a college that values your potential and offers the right opportunities, like how I found success in my own unique path.
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
207
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Woodstock, New York
Updated
Alan’s Answer
"All but 10 of the 92 private colleges and universities we examined (89%) considered race and ethnicity in deciding whom to admit, with 10 of those ranking it as an important factor. But among the 31 public schools, only nine (29%) considered race and ethnicity at all, and none rated it as an important factor." - Pew Research Center, July, 2023 (Note: They're afraid of losing public funding.)
Although Republicans are trying to do away with affirmative action and the Supreme Court has been chipping away at it, it seems that it is still considered as an admissions factor in many colleges, as it should be, along with others like socio-economic status and gender. I would caution people reading this to not see it as being given an "advantage" per se, but, rather, as compensation for the disadvantages that students of color in general continue to face, in education as well as other societal functions. Additionally, a diverse population of students, and faculty, is of benefit to all students. There are also scholarships earmarked for students who, through societal discrimination or disadvantage, deserve the assistance. It would be nice to believe we are playing on an even playing field, but I highly recommend books like "Shame of the Nation" to help correct that wishful thinking. In fact, since the chipping away of affirmative action, studies have consistently shown the proportion of Black, Latinx and Indigenous college students to have gone down. Unfortunately, too many people conveniently don't want to hear it. I hope this helps.
Although Republicans are trying to do away with affirmative action and the Supreme Court has been chipping away at it, it seems that it is still considered as an admissions factor in many colleges, as it should be, along with others like socio-economic status and gender. I would caution people reading this to not see it as being given an "advantage" per se, but, rather, as compensation for the disadvantages that students of color in general continue to face, in education as well as other societal functions. Additionally, a diverse population of students, and faculty, is of benefit to all students. There are also scholarships earmarked for students who, through societal discrimination or disadvantage, deserve the assistance. It would be nice to believe we are playing on an even playing field, but I highly recommend books like "Shame of the Nation" to help correct that wishful thinking. In fact, since the chipping away of affirmative action, studies have consistently shown the proportion of Black, Latinx and Indigenous college students to have gone down. Unfortunately, too many people conveniently don't want to hear it. I hope this helps.
Pamela Woodard
Banking
24
Answers
Piscataway Township, New Jersey
Updated
Pamela’s Answer
Hi Rex,
According to what I have read, about 20% of four-year public universities use race as a consideration in admissions. Recently, the Supreme Court ended the use of race as a factor in college admissions publications. Being a minority student with top scores is an advantage, a student that represents cultural diversity and has the scores and transcripts that meet what colleges are looking for is an advantage.
Good luck!
According to what I have read, about 20% of four-year public universities use race as a consideration in admissions. Recently, the Supreme Court ended the use of race as a factor in college admissions publications. Being a minority student with top scores is an advantage, a student that represents cultural diversity and has the scores and transcripts that meet what colleges are looking for is an advantage.
Good luck!