Abstract
Debates surrounding the potential additional barriers faced by Asian American students compared to white students in selective college admissions have garnered attention. An analysis of 685,709 applications to 11 highly selective colleges, known as the “Ivy-11,” reveals that Asian American applicants had 28% lower odds of attending these institutions compared to white applicants with similar academic and extracurricular qualifications. Notably, students of South Asian descent faced a 49% lower likelihood of admission. Factors contributing to this disparity include legacy preferences and geographic disparities in admissions policies. The findings shed light on equity discussions in higher education.
Introduction
Questions regarding potential discrimination against Asian American applicants in selective college admissions have persisted over the years. Past investigations have highlighted disparities in admission rates between Asian American and white students with similar academic qualifications. This study delves into the analysis of first-year college applications submitted to the Ivy-11 colleges, focusing on disparities in attendance rates among different racial groups.
Over the years, the demographics of the United States and the educational landscape have evolved significantly, warranting a reevaluation of college admissions policies for their potential impact on Asian American applicants.
Data Description
The analysis is based on a dataset of detailed anonymized information on applicants, including race, gender, standardized test scores, GPA, extracurricular activities, high school characteristics, parental college attendance, application fee waivers, and more. The study pool comprises applications submitted by Asian and white students to Ivy-11 colleges over multiple application cycles.
Results
The study reveals that Asian American applicants, particularly those of South Asian descent, had lower odds of attending Ivy-11 colleges compared to white applicants with similar academic credentials and extracurricular activities. Factors such as legacy status and geographic location play a significant role in these disparities. Legacy applicants, who are predominantly white, have higher attendance rates, indicating potential biases in admissions decisions.
Discussion
The disparities in attendance outcomes are attributed to a combination of admissions decisions and student enrollment choices. Legacy preferences and geographic considerations significantly impact the attendance rates of Asian American applicants. The study underscores the need to reevaluate admissions policies, particularly those favoring legacy applicants, to promote equity and diversity in college admissions.
Conclusion
The study’s findings provide valuable insights into the disparities faced by Asian American applicants in selective college admissions. By shedding light on the impact of legacy preferences and geographic disparities, the study aims to inform discussions on equitable admissions policies in higher education institutions.