Is the College Admissions Process Fair?

Kylie McKinney, Reporter

The college admission process has been a topic of debate and controversy for years, with many people feeling that it is unfair in a number of ways.

One major issue with the college admission process is that it often puts a stumbling block in the path of students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Wealthier students who attend prestigious schools or have access to expensive tutors and test-prep programs often have an edge over students from poorer families who don’t have these advantages.

Another issue is the use of standardized tests like the SAT and ACT, which many people argue are not good indicators of a student’s potential or ability to succeed in college. These tests have also been criticized for being biased against certain groups of students, particularly those from minority backgrounds.

Additionally, the college admission process often places a heavy emphasis on extracurricular activities and other factors that may not necessarily reflect a student’s academic abilities or potential. This can be particularly frustrating for students who excel academically but may not have had the same opportunities as their wealthier peers to participate in these types of activities. 

There have been several changes that colleges have implemented in recent years to address concerns about the fairness of the admissions process. For example, many universities have adopted test-optional policies, which allow students to choose whether or not to submit standardized test scores as part of their application. This is designed to level the playing field for students who may not have had access to the same resources or opportunities as others. 

Some schools have also implemented affirmative action policies, which aim to increase diversity and representation among students’ populations by actively seeking out candidates from historically underrepresented groups. Similarly, many universities have also increased their outreach and recruitment efforts to high schools and communities with traditionally low college attendance rates.

Overall, I believe that the college admission process needs to be reevaluated and reformed in order to make it fairer and more equitable for all students, regardless of their background or circumstances. This may involve changes to the way standardized tests are used, increased focus on a student’s academic record and potential, and greater attention paid to socioeconomic factors and other forms of disadvantage.