COLLEGE ADMISSIONS CHALLENGE! (PART I)

Background: This challenge is inspired by the landmark Supreme Court decision in 2023, which effectively ended the use of race as a factor in college admissions. The ruling was a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate about fairness, equity, and inclusion in higher education.

The case centered around challenges to affirmative action policies at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina. Opponents of these policies argued that using race in admissions discriminated against certain groups, while supporters maintained that it was necessary to promote diversity and address historical inequities. The Court’s decision has forced colleges to reexamine how they evaluate applicants, sparking conversations about how to ensure fairness without explicitly considering race.

This challenge invites you to step into the role of a college admissions advisor. You’ll review applications from eight fictional students and select the three you believe are most deserving of enrollment at "BFR University."

In this exercise, we’ve intentionally excluded key details such as race, gender, location, and college essays—elements that often shape perceptions of an applicant. Below are the GPA and SAT requirements for the university:

• Average GPA ~ 3.5

• Average SAT Score ~ 1400

• Student A

  GPA: 3.4

  SAT Score: 1490

  Accomplishments/Merit: National Science Olympiad winner, Counselor at a non-profit tutoring service for underprivileged children

  Essay Summary:

  • Discussed overcoming the challenges of living in a shelter

  • Emphasized the importance of community service

  • Highlighted personal growth through volunteer worktion text goes here

• Student B

  GPA: 3.3

  SAT Score: 1500

  Accomplishments/Merit: Captain of varsity wrestling team, Scholar/Athlete Recipient

  Essay Summary:

  • Examined the impact of policing in marginalized communities

  • Shared firsthand experiences and observations

  • Emphasized the need for justice and reform in law enforcement practices

• Student C

  GPA: 3.5

  SAT Score: 1400

  Accomplishments/Merit: Lead soloist in a regional gospel choir competition, Organized and led a community youth choir

  Essay Summary:

  • Discussed the hyper-sexualization of women in hip hop

  • Analyzed the impact of these portrayals on societal views & women’s self-perception

  • Highlighted the importance of positive representation and empowerment for women and children

• Student D

  GPA: 3.7

  SAT Score: 1570

  Accomplishments/Merit: Debate team captain, Won state-level debate competitions

  Essay Summary:

  • Centered around the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

  • Critically examined the US involvement and its impact on the region’s stability

  • Discussed the humanitarian consequences of the conflict and the need for a balanced approach that respects human rights and seeks lasting peace

• Student E

  GPA: 3.6

  SAT Score: 1490

  Accomplishments/Merit: Developed Machine Learning code for Fortune 500 Company

  Essay Summary:

  • Described how a cybersecurity attack affected his family, sparking his interest in the field

  • Shared experiences working on cybersecurity projects during his internship

  • Discussed the future of cybersecurity and its crucial role in protecting individuals’ data and privacy in an increasingly digital world

• Student F

  GPA: 3.2

  SAT Score: 1450

  Accomplishments/Merit: Award-winning science fair project on renewable energy, Led a community initiative to promote environmental sustainability

  Essay Summary:

  • Reflected on the pressure of being a legacy student and upholding family expectations

  • Shared an emotional story about bonding with a young girl at the homeless shelter, who reminded her of her younger sister

  • Described how this experience deepened her empathy and commitment to social justice

• Student G

  GPA: 4.0

  SAT Score: 1300

  Accomplishments/Merit: Spoken word poet, Founded an LGBTQ+ support group at their high school

  Essay Summary:

  • Reflected on embracing their identity

  • Shared challenges of coming out and transitioning

  • Emphasized the need for representation and support for LGBTQ+ individuals, driving their passion for creating inclusive environments

• Student H

  GPA: 3.1

  SAT Score: 1600

  Accomplishments/Merit: Founded and led a school drama club

  Essay Summary:

  • Discussed personal experiences with immigration and its impact on their family

  • Explored the challenges and opportunities faced as an immigrant

  • Highlighted how these experiences shaped their identity and inspired them to use theater as a platform for storytelling and advocacy

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS CHALLENGE! (PART I) RESULTS!