Affirmative Action in College Admissions: All You Need to Know
Affirmative Action in College Admissions is One of the most contentious problems surrounding college admissions. It is a problem that brings profiling to the forefront. In this article, you will get to understand all about Affirmative Action in College Admissions.
Introduction to Affirmative Action in College Admissions
Affirmative action in college admissions is a policy that, at its most basic level, gives preference to underrepresented or historically discriminated-against groups of society by considering an applicant’s color, race, sex, religion, or national origin during a selection process (often for employment or admission to a college).
This means that even if their grades and test results aren’t as good as those of students from other groups, we may still admit kids from historically underrepresented backgrounds to colleges.
Students from underrepresented groups might also need to do better academically in order to get accepted.
History of Affirmative Action in College Admissions
In the early 1960s, the United States instituted affirmative action, a concept that President John F. Kennedy coined. They employed it to forbid discrimination at work.
In the late 1960s, it transitioned from the workplace to educational settings, giving minorities and students from underrepresented groups the opportunity to be taken into consideration for placement at some of the nation’s most prominent schools.
Students from various backgrounds have argued in favor of or against affirmative action in the legal system and in the media since they added it to the college admissions process.
How Affirmative Action Work in the College Admissions
The complex subject of affirmative action affects many facets of American culture, particularly the higher education system.
Although more students are enrolling in colleges, demographic research shows that there is still a gap between white and minority students.
We have made it possible for students who would not typically be given an opportunity to enroll in selective colleges to do so because to affirmative action.
How Affirmative Action in College Admissions Works
Because the application of affirmative action is vague, not all schools and universities approach the idea of screening candidates in the same manner.
Besides looking at the applicant’s test results, transcripts, extracurricular activities, and personal statement, most colleges also try to consider the student’s history, including race and socioeconomic status.
The applicant’s life and education are taken into account in this holistic approach to college admissions.
Affirmative action’s fundamental goal is to give minorities and kids from low-income areas the opportunity to enroll in elite colleges, giving them a real-world education while also ensuring that the school is diverse and friendly to all students.
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Advantages of Affirmative Action in College Admissions
1. Diversity: It makes for vibrant, diversified campuses where students are exposed to many cultures, viewpoints, and modes of thought.
It aids in explaining how the lack of opportunity these underrepresented groups may have had may have contributed to their inferior test and grade results.
2. Increases Economic Mobility: they have shown A college degree to increase economic mobility. Minority groups who are underrepresented have a better chance of improving their economic standing when they have more access to education.
3. Similar to this, affirmative action enables students to pursue a career that would otherwise be out of their grasp because of educational prerequisites.
We might also introduce them to professions they had never thought about while in college.
4. Dispels Stereotypes: When students are around people of other racial and ethnic backgrounds, it may help them reconsider any preconceived notions they may have about those groups, especially if they have had little experience with them previously.
5. Accounts for Societal Loss: Systemic injustices and discrimination have historically left many minorities economically underprivileged and unable to prosper in the same way as other groups.
Through their education, they advance society thanks to affirmative action.
Negative Effects of Affirmative Action in College Admissions
1. Affirmative action’s paradoxical goal of eradicating inequality through promoting positive discrimination is known as reverse discrimination.
2. Lacks Financial Consideration: Richard Kahlenberg, senior fellow at the Century Foundation, reported that 71% of Harvard’s Black and Latino students come from wealthy families, supporting the claim that affirmative action lacks financial consideration.
3. May Reduce the Importance of Personal Achievements: If someone attends a prestigious university where affirmative action is used, others may perceive their accomplishments, abilities, and talents.
4. Stereotypes are reinforced because affirmative action programs help underrepresented groups, which may give the impression that these groups need help in order to succeed.
Does Harvard Use Affirmative Action?
In this statement, the President and Fellows of Harvard College reaffirm Harvard’s dedication to equal employment opportunities and affirmative action.
The Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging managed the University’s Affirmative Action programs.
What is an Example of an Affirmative Action Program?
For instance, many institutions of higher learning have deliberately implemented policies that aim to enhance the recruitment of racial minorities.
Examples of affirmative action in the workplace include outreach initiatives, targeted hiring, employee and management development, and employee support programs.
Does UC Berkeley Practice Affirmative Action?
The UC Berkeley Academic Affirmative Action Plan is a working document that details the university’s policies, obligations, goals, and activities for guaranteeing affirmative action and equal employment opportunity.
How Does Affirmative Action Affect Education?
Affirmative action enables institutions to employ comprehensive evaluations to include race as one of several considerations when assessing applications.
Regardless of how you feel about it, affirmative action impacts college admissions.
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