Merit-based admissions are becoming the new way of life for high school seniors looking for college acceptance. The Trump administration ordered the end of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) admissions for colleges. Does the DEI make it a fairer game to get into college/university?
Ms. Stacey Miller, LVA’s Career & College Readiness counselor, was interviewed to give her thoughts on the new admissions ruling, on whether or not the new rules on merit-based admissions, not race-based, will create a fairer admissions system.
“I think when you are looking at number its going to create what seems to be an equitable process, but I think also by removing some of those safety nets we’re not going to have the same type of diversity we’ve had in the past” Miller said.
In the past, DEI has played a big role in colleges. It has helped students understand and appreciate different cultures, identities, and new perspectives. The new merit-based rule has had some changes about diversity and equity. This new rule has made it so that when applying to college/university, your race is not shown and it is highly focused on your transcript/grades. While colleges’ academic reputations may be enhanced, it raises concern about diversity & equity on campus.
LVA has a wide range of cultures & identities, and the law may affect how students look for and apply for higher education. Ms. Miller has gone on to say, “I don’t know if it’s changed my advice as much as it’s really enforced my advice doing research. I think one of the main things you have to do is really know the area you’re planning on spreading the next 4 years, and look at what it has to offer and make sure that it aligns with those interests and your end goals if you will” Miller said.
The shift to merit-based admissions will undoubtedly shape how LVA seniors prepare for the future. While some students may see it as leveling the playing field through academics, others worry about the loss of diversity on college campuses. LVA seniors can get advice from Ms. Miller and research their college selections to ensure that the college aligns with their goals and values.
