Part 1: The Trend

Harvard University opened in 1636, making it the first college to open in the United States. From the beginning, Harvard only admitted male applicants. Until the first women’s colleges opened in the mid-19th century, women were denied the opportunity for higher education.

Colleges excluded women from higher education primarily due to the societal views that they belonged at home. It was believed that it was unnecessary and unhealthy for them to go through rigorous educational programs. Dr. Edward H. Clarke of Harvard Medical School claimed that allowing women access to higher education was a “crime before God and humanity, that physiology protests against,” and that it would cause infertility.

Women continued to be suppressed in this manner. For example, in Virginia, in 1960, 21,000 women were rejected from colleges while not a single man was denied entrance.

In the late 20th century, women were finally winning access to colleges as rates of them attending steadily increased. Following this trend, in 2013, women made up 56% of college attendees. In 2014, 70% of women had received a Bachelor’s degree compared to 61% of men. Women have continued to outperform men in this way.

Part 2: The Response

In response, colleges across America have started “gender balancing.” Only studies in college admissions have been able to identify this unspoken policy. Gender balancing results in capping the number of female attendees to 50-60% because men are given preferential treatment in the admissions process. This issue has received little to no media or legal attention and is still prevalent in many colleges.

The reasoning behind gender balancing is that schools are worried they will not be as attractive for applicants if they enroll more than 60% women. Having a majority of women threatens the stereotypical dominant, white, Christian male idea. Additionally, there is a common fear of more women accessing higher education than men.

Public institutions remain largely unaffected by gender balancing. However, prestigious, private institutions such as Harvard and Yale make the most attempt at affirmative action for men.

So How Do Women Avoid Discrimination in the College Admissions process?

1. Look for colleges where the ratio is in your favor. For instance, in 2007, the acceptance rate at MIT was nearly 26% for women and 10% for men. Viewing recent acceptance rates of each gender for colleges you are interested in can help you decide which colleges to apply for.

2. Though some prestigious colleges may not have historically favored women, writing unique essays can remind them that you are more than just a statistic for their website.

3. Look for specific programs that follow your interests. This way, you can express your interest in these programs geared toward specific goals which can increase your chance of success in being admitted.

What About Men?

Look for historically female or liberal arts colleges since these are more eager to enroll male students.