Enhancing Your MBA Career: US Colleges Demand Increased Writing after Affirmative Action Ban

Last Updated on August 8, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes

Title: Affirmative Action Decision Sparks Changes in College Admissions Process

August 1, the official commencement of the college admissions season in the US, is a significant date for prospective undergraduates aspiring to enter top universities. As the Common Application for the 2024 admission cycle opens, students across the nation are presented with new challenges and opportunities in their quest for higher education. With over 1,000 colleges and universities accepting the Common Application, this streamlined process allows candidates to apply to multiple schools by submitting their information only once.

However, this year’s admissions cycle comes against the backdrop of a landmark Supreme Court decision that put an end to affirmative action in college admissions. In response, several renowned institutions are seeking alternative ways to gain insight into applicants’ backgrounds and experiences regarding matters of race and diversity.

Selective schools like Harvard and UNC Chapel Hill are now prohibited from considering race as a factor in their admissions decisions. Nevertheless, they are permitted to evaluate applicants based on the discussions they provide surrounding how race has influenced their lives and perspectives.

Yale University, for example, is adding an additional question to the Common Application, urging students to recount a personal experience that will contribute to the overall enrichment of the university. This question aims to delve deeper into candidates’ uniqueness, with a focus on their personal growth and contributions.

Emory University has followed suit by introducing a new prompt specifically designed to encourage students to reflect on a community they have been part of, where their involvement has positively impacted or shaped the community.

In light of the affirmative action ruling, many colleges and universities are grappling with the challenge of ensuring a continued connection with Black and Latino students. These institutions are developing new initiatives and programs to ensure that these students still feel welcome and supported during the admissions process.

As students navigate this changing landscape, admissions counselors are left uncertain about the ideal approach for applicants when addressing race in their applications. Nonetheless, counselors advise students to authentically explore their experiences and personal growth, steering clear of any inclination to overstate the impact of race on their lives.

Ultimately, the goal for colleges and universities is to construct diverse student bodies while respecting and adhering to the Supreme Court’s decision. The admissions process, though undoubtedly causing anxiety for high school counselors and students alike, presents an opportunity for applicants to stand out through their authenticity and genuine reflection on personal development.

As the admissions season unfolds, it remains vital for students to embrace their own unique narratives and avoid embellishing the influence of race on their experiences. By doing so, they can showcase their true potential and contribute to the ongoing discussion on diversity and inclusion in higher education.