A Response to the Affirmative Action Ruling: Insights from College Counselors and Admissions Officers
By Kaycee Brock, Charter School Growth Fund & Amy Christie, Achievement First

At a time when most high schools in the Charter School Growth Fund (CSGF) portfolio have gained clarity on a college match strategy, this year’s application process is one of great uncertainty. The recent Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruling eliminated the use of race-conscious admissions in the college admissions process. Now, college access leaders are hoping the systemic barriers their students have faced over the years will be considered.

Higher education institutions, with the support of legal counsel, are navigating how to continue to promote equity while also abiding by the SCOTUS decision. Programs committed to diversity and inclusion have spent the past few months sifting through mission statements and policies, as they are now required to change the language and intent of programs historically focused on supporting specific racial or ethnic groups.

We spoke with charter school postsecondary access leaders and higher education professionals across the country to better understand what they are considering — and hoping for. Here are 6 insights from high school and college admissions teams as they navigate the 2023–2024 college admissions cycle.

Utilize Essays to Give Background of Student Experience

According to college admissions officers, essays provide an opportunity to learn more about the unique experiences that have shaped students, both personally and within their community. As a result, colleges have not changed their intention to use the essay to support this goal, and many have added new essay prompts for students to share more details about their identity or obstacles they may have faced. However, colleges want to ensure that students do not feel they must disclose their race for their story to matter.

When race or ethnicity has shaped a student’s experience, they should lean into that and share with admissions committees who they are, what they want to do in the future, and how their current outlook on the world has been influenced.

While adding identity markers to essays can be helpful, colleges also stated that stories of identity should be as organic and meaningful as possible and that they do not want to see inauthentic “trauma essays”, which typically draw on painful memories.

Deepen Family Engagement & Communication Efforts

Students of color, along with their parents and caregivers, may wonder if the SCOTUS ruling is communicating that selective colleges may not want them to apply. Intentional, ongoing, and timely communication with families and caregivers throughout the year can have a significant impact. As most counselors know, there are new FAFSA changes that will also require a great deal of communication and support for families. Strategies that go beyond newsletters and allow families to voice their concerns and ask specific questions are critical. Consider inviting higher education leaders and outside organizations to engage with families to support this effort.

Recognize That Exposure & Campus Visits Still Matter

Doubling down on exposure opportunities to learn more about colleges and universities before the application continues to be important. When students see a campus, feel like they belong there, and connect with admissions staff members, they are more likely to find a solid college match. Inviting admissions representatives to visit your schools also supports college match and fit.

Admissions officers are expressing an even greater desire to work with charter schools to establish formal partnerships. This could be a mutually beneficial opportunity for students to gain access to colleges, while also giving admissions teams insight into the student body they will recruit from.

Know that Colleges Still Want a Diverse Student Body

Colleges expressed concern — that students of color might interpret the new law to mean that selective schools no longer want them — however each college emphatically shared that this is not true. In fact, many colleges are actively rethinking and designing programming to ensure that all students can find a stronger sense of belonging to thrive once on campus (e.g. Flourishing at Emory).

Information from "The College Essay Guy" 

free workshop-click here 

https://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/budget-college-list

Newsworthy video

Interesting PBS NewsHour segment highlighting the impact of the CUNY ASAP model and its resulting increases in graduation rates and earnings for students at three Ohio Community Colleges that worked closely with CUNY to replicate the program. To date, CUNY ASAP has been replicated in seven states. 

ASAP Program at CUNY