It's no secret that the college admissions process has evolved over time. To be frank, college admission selection is an ever-evolving process and those who graduated pre-pandemic have a completely different experience than those who are applying post-pandemic. Every year the formula is tweaked, and over time a complete metamorphosis occurs. I recently read an article on how admissions have changed over the past 75 years, and while capturing every piece of that change would be downright impossible, I wanted to call out three things that were mentioned in the article. 1964: Civil Rights Act bans racial and gender-based discrimination against college applicantsWith the passing of the civil rights act, segregation in schools was officially outlawed. This movement was most noticeable in the African American community, specifically in the south, and played a huge part in narrowing the gap of opportunity in our country. While we continue to find ways to improve, and will always find ways to improve, this action was a noticeably monumental moment1965: Higher Education Act provides additional financial aid opportunitiesThis moment creates mixed feelings because at its core the Higher Education Act provides a reasonable pathway to higher education for the vast majority of those who aspire to earn a college degree. When the Act was passed, it was done so with the greatest of intentions and was originally only gifted to majors that had government output or basic community needs. What started as a great way to provide access to all, then became a scapegoat for schools to rise prices because they were no longer required to price themselves in a window that the upper class could afford in one check.1972: Title IX is implemented to stem gender-based discriminationA monumental movement for gender equality in general, Title IX is most recognized at the athletic level. This Amendment negated the overt barriers to entry for women in many higher education establishments and has continued to require equal representation in all opportunities, including sports. In today’s age, it seems preposterous that we ever had to add this rule rather than have it baked into the original planning.
How College Admissions Have Changed
07.11.22 12:00 PM
