The Role of Holistic Admissions in Promoting Reflective Higher Education as Affirmative Action Comes to an End

Exploring Alternative Approaches to Affirmative Action in Higher Education Admissions

Implementing Holistic Admission Policies: A Pathway to Equity and Inclusion in Higher Education

Exploring Alternative Approaches to Affirmative Action in Higher Education Admissions

The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning affirmative action and prohibiting public education institutions from considering race in their admission processes has sparked a debate about the future of diversity in higher education. This ruling, which Justice Sonia Sotomayor argued "rolls back decades of precedent and momentous progress," has forced admissions departments across the country to reevaluate their strategies for ensuring diverse student bodies. The goal of affirmative action was to increase the representation of racialized students in higher education. By considering factors beyond just academic testing scores, such as an applicant's background and experiences, admissions departments aimed to create a more equitable and inclusive system. However, with affirmative action no longer a viable option, universities must find alternative approaches to maintain diversity. One approach that institutions may lean on is holistic admission policies. These policies consider the applicant as a whole, taking into account not only their academic achievements but also their socioeconomic status, extracurricular activities, and personal experiences. By evaluating applicants in a comprehensive manner, universities can still strive to create student bodies that accurately reflect the ethnic and racial diversity of the communities they serve. Moreover, the limitations and biases inherent in traditional academic-based standardized tests like the SAT and MCAT have been widely recognized. Research has shown that these tests often disadvantage racialized students and those from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Students with more socioeconomically privileged backgrounds tend to have greater access to resources and test preparation services, giving them an advantage in standardized testing. In response to these issues, some institutions are reevaluating their reliance on standardized tests for admissions. For example, the LSAT will no longer be required for admission to U.S. law schools starting in 2025. Instead, a greater emphasis will be placed on other criteria, such as situational judgment tests that evaluate applicants based on their responses to hypothetical scenarios. Addressing racial disparities in higher education admissions requires a multifaceted approach. It involves reviewing and removing barriers that hinder racialized applicants, such as high application fees or high cutoff scores on standardized tests. It also involves reevaluating legacy programs that may perpetuate inequities in admissions. In the absence of affirmative action, academic

Summing it up

institutions must take a critical look at their current measures for evaluating applicants. The use of holistic admission policies that consider a range of factors beyond standardized testing can help ensure a fair and equitable admissions process. It is clear that relying solely on standardized tests can perpetuate inequities in higher education, as these tests often disadvantages racialized students and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. By broadening the evaluation criteria and considering factors such as socioeconomic status and extracurricular activities, universities can create a more diverse and inclusive student body. At the same time, it is essential to address the barriers that hinder racialized applicants. This can include reducing application fees, reconsidering high cutoff scores, and building authentic partnerships with diverse high schools and undergraduate programs that align with the institution's mission. While the absence of affirmative action presents challenges, it also offers an opportunity for institutions to adopt new and innovative admissions policies. By embracing alternative approaches, universities can still strive to create a higher education system that is more reflective of the diverse society it serves. In conclusion, the recent Supreme Court decision has prompted universities to explore alternative approaches to affirmative action in higher education admissions. The adoption of holistic admission policies, the reconsideration of standardized testing, and the removal of barriers faced by racialized applicants are essential steps towards fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in our educational institutions. By embracing these changes, we can work towards a more equitable and representative higher education system.
Originally Published at: https://fortune.com/2023/06/30/affirmative-action-end-holistic-admissions-can-still-allow-higher-education-to-better-reflect-society-supreme-court-politics-universities/ Business Topic: U.S.