Colleges Look for New and Legal Ways to Help Build a Diverse First-Year Class

The NPR article "Colleges Look for New and Legal Ways to Help Build a Diverse First-Year Class," reported by Elissa Nadworny, delves into how colleges are adapting their admissions strategies in a post-affirmative action landscape. With the Supreme Court's ruling against race-conscious admissions policies, universities are exploring alternative methods to maintain diversity and predict student success.

Michael Bastedo, a researcher at the University of Michigan, highlights the importance of holistic review in admissions. This approach involves assessing a student's performance within the context of their available opportunities. For example, if a student took only one AP class but their school offered just one, this is considered in the evaluation. Bastedo's research indicates a strong association between a student's high school performance in context and their success in college, both in terms of grades and retention​​.

Eddie Comeaux from UC Riverside emphasizes that understanding the opportunities available to students can help identify those likely to perform well in the future. However, he stresses the need for institutions to support students post-admission, fostering a culture of success and providing necessary resources​​.

The shift to a more context-focused admissions process also presents financial challenges for institutions. It requires more thorough and time-intensive application reviews and potentially higher financial aid costs, especially when admitting more students from low-income backgrounds. Despite these challenges, colleges are committed to ensuring access and support for students from diverse backgrounds and income levels​​.

For students and families navigating the college admissions process, this article sheds light on the evolving criteria for college acceptance. It underscores the importance of presenting a comprehensive view of a student's achievements within the context of their environment and resources. This approach in admissions not only supports diversity but also provides a more equitable and inclusive pathway to higher education.

Read the full NPR article "Colleges Look for New and Legal Ways to Help Build a Diverse First-Year Class" for a deeper understanding of these significant changes in college admissions.