Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Tomorrow is a big day for college admissions

On October 10, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in Fisher v. University of Texas. "Fisher" is Abigail Fisher, a white student in Texas who asserts she was denied admission at the University of Texas at Austin because of her race. Texas is a state that guarantees admission to any state institute of higher learning to graduates of any Texas high school who place in the top ten percent of their class. In this instance, Abigail Fisher was not part of the top ten percent and was also denied admission as part of the general process. She has since graduated from Louisiana State University. 

Some numbers on UT-Austin (2011, from collegeboard.com):
Total undergraduates: 38,437
Total applicants: 32,589
Admitted: 15,172
Enrolled: 7,149

Based on these, the admit rate is 47% of applicants, which is highly selective according to College Board.

The racial breakdown of the student body is listed as 48% white, 21% Latino/Hispanic, 18% Asian, and 5% African-American. 91% of its population is made up of in-state residents. 

I've come across a few thought-provoking articles and they're all worth a read--

From New American MediaFate of Affirmative Action Hangs on Fisher v. Univ. of Texas
A tie vote would mean that the University of Texas wins, but a tie doesn’t have the same precedential value as a majority five-three decision. Likely to back Texas would be Justices Ginsberg, Breyer, and Sotomayor. I think these three are fairly safe predictions. As the court’s health care decision shows, you can never be sure what’s going to happen. Nobody expected Justice Roberts to be the savior of Obama’s health care. So you don’t want to say you can be sure, but if you look at what the justices have written in the past, the remaining justices are skeptical of affirmative action. Sometimes people vote for what they’re skeptical of, but one of those five would have to change for Texas to win [by getting a four-four vote].
From the New York Times: Play Close Attention to the Supreme Court This Week
Among the reasons that nearly every public or private college or university utilizes racial preferences in admissions – other than in states like California where voters have banned the practice – is the belief that students learn at least as much from their classmates as their professors, and that a broadly diverse student body creates an educational environment most conducive to learning.
From the Washington Post (opinion): Why race matters in college admission
As a practical matter, we do not understand how a rule forbidding all consideration of race could possibly be enforced. Essays and letters of recommendation are critical components of the application process at law schools. They allow us to evaluate intangible virtues such as courage, commitment and moral compass. In their personal statements, many applicants discuss how race has influenced their lives. Writers of recommendations frequently mention race in explaining how an applicant has overcome challenges. Would those advocating race-blind admissions have us censor the statements of applicants and their recommenders? How could we carry out such a task, even if we were inclined to do so?  
Also from the Washington PostSupreme Court considers about-face on racial preferences in college admissions in Texas case
The case also raises several contentious side issues, including whether affirmative-action programs hurt the very people they are supposed to be helping. A new book by law professor Richard Sander and journalist Stuart Taylor argues that “large preferences often place students in environments where they can neither learn nor compete effectively, even though these same students would thrive had they gone to less competitive but still quite good schools.”

I don't envy the decisions any admissions office has to make. Every student has a story and a case to admit could probably be made for each one. My point is only this-- admissions is a maddening process. Sometimes policies make sense, sometimes they don't. We don't always get the answer we want. The process isn't always fair. I know Ms. Fisher wants this to be about an applicant's merits, and on the surface I believe that to be true. Yet... if it were that simple why would colleges ask for essays, recommendations, extracurricular activities? Why wouldn't they solely consider test scores and grades? Because it's not that simple. And after tomorrow's arguments, the whole process could get turned on its head.


1 comment:


  1. Hello


    Thanks for visiting my site from Give1Get4!

    "The World's FIRST and Most Successful PRIVATE Member to Member Activity"

    More than 380,000 paid members
    More than 100 countries

    Give1Get4 has perfected the art of giving and made it a worthy and rewarding cause. It is the world's FIRST and ONLY, 100% Legal, Absolutely Flawless, Totally Automated and Completely Private Member-to-Member Activity. Nowhere else on the planet can you give so little and receive so much. Since 2002, hundreds of thousands of lives have continually been blessed by this activity, and since Give1Get4 is run solely by it's participants, it is YOU who takes complete control of your experience. You will also receive state of the art software and tools to help you manage your activity. Take action now so you can get started in the rewarding Give1Get4 activity!



    The company, in my opinion, deserves attention. One of the highlights is the fact that its founder is James Lee Valentine. This is a famous person. Millionaire, author, business coach. Author of a large number of books translated into many languages​​, including Russian.
    For me personally, it is a reliability of the company. Because people with the name should value our reputation. This is not some kind of an unknown admin who can run a half-baked project or a deliberate scam.
    James Lee Valentine himself on the site gives the word, so to speak my personal guarantee that the company will work longer 2020.


    By the way a big plus for us, the company has not yet unwound the CIS!
    For becoming a part of Give1Get4
    You pay $59 by Payza for the software and $25 for the gift.
    If you don't have a Payza account you can sign-up for a free account here www.payza.com

    And with this you start your fantastic journey with g1G4 and I will give you all the assistance you need!

    I am in Give1get4 program. I am absolutely pleased with the program. You must just see this as giving eachother a present.
    I got several already and i really enjoy it. First you give a present and make somebody else happy and within short time you start to get money back yourself.
    No admin involved. From member to member. So you only want good friends to start this, because you have to trust eachother with this.
    -----

    Come and join us you now!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qz46ebPB9L0

    You too can begin receiving in abundance but first you must register and choose your pledge level(s)… re-visit https://www.give1get4.net and use Guest Code 14904024

    skype: info by loesservaas (my upline}


    I wanted to wish you and your family the best for the Christmas season.

    And the very best is yet to come as they say.

    Love and Prosperity for 2013!

    To Your Success,


    Best regards,
    Robertallen/Peter/Loes/Alain

    ReplyDelete