- As our graduating senior Scholars work to finish the last steps of their high school career, they are also working on their important next steps – the college application process. It may not seem obvious, but over the years, we have seen why equity practices are so critical during this stage of their academic careers.
- Equity Helps Mitigate Bias and Discrimination
- Without equity safeguards in place, the college application process can perpetuate bias and discrimination, favoring privileged students over those from marginalized backgrounds. Implicit biases, stereotypes, and structural inequalities can influence admissions decisions, leading to disparities in acceptance rates and opportunities. Equity measures such as holistic review processes, need-blind admissions, and outreach programs help mitigate bias and ensure that students are evaluated on their merits rather than irrelevant factors such as race, ethnicity, or socio-economic status.
- Equity Provides Support for Underrepresented Students
- Underrepresented students may face unique challenges in the application process. This includes first-generation college students, students of color, LGBTQ+ students, students with disabilities, and others who may encounter barriers to access and inclusion. Admissions offices that offer targeted outreach, mentorship programs, and resources tailored to the needs of underrepresented students help ensure that all students feel supported and valued throughout the application process.
- Ensuring Access to Higher Education for All
- Equity in college admissions is ultimately about ensuring access to higher education for all students, regardless of their background or circumstances. Access to higher education is not only a matter of individual opportunity but also a social issue with broader implications for economic mobility, social cohesion, and democratic participation. By prioritizing equity in college admissions, colleges and universities can fulfill their mission of expanding access to knowledge and opportunity for all members of society.
- Equity Promotes Diversity and Inclusion
- Equity in college admissions leads to greater diversity and inclusion on college campuses, enriching the educational experience for all students. A diverse student body brings together individuals from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, fostering cross-cultural understanding, critical thinking, and collaboration.
- Equity Paves the Pathway to Success
- For many students, higher education represents they or their family’s pathway to economic mobility and social advancement. Equity in the college application process ensures that students from all backgrounds have access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to pursue their educational goals. This not only benefits individual students but also contributes to a more equitable distribution of social and economic opportunities within our community.
- At CORE, we work with our Scholars individually to help them create their vision of success, and what a choice-filled life will mean to them. We help Scholars recognize the barriers they face and work to help them find the pathways to succeed in college and beyond. At our CORE, we are committed to making a collective impact on our community through these practices.
