The recent decision by the US Supreme Court to ban the use of race in university admissions has sparked significant debate and raised questions about the impact on college applications, particularly for Indian students. This landmark ruling has far-reaching consequences, reshaping the landscape of college admissions and prompting a closer examination of the criteria used to evaluate applicants. Let’s explore the implications of this ban and provide valuable insights for Indian students navigating the college application process in the United States.
What does Affirmative Action mean?
Before we delve into the nitty-gritty of the Supreme Court’s decision, it’s important to understand the meaning of Affirmative Action.
Affirmative action refers to policies or practices that aim to increase the representation of historically disadvantaged groups, such as racial and ethnic minorities, women, and individuals from low-income backgrounds, in areas where they have been historically underrepresented, such as college admissions. The purpose of affirmative action is to promote equal opportunity and to address past and present discrimination by considering factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic background in the admissions process.
In the context of college admissions, affirmative action can involve a variety of measures, such as giving preferential treatment to applicants from underrepresented groups or implementing diversity initiatives to ensure a more inclusive student body. These policies are intended to counteract the effects of systemic discrimination and create a more diverse and equitable educational environment.
Impact of Affirmative Action Policies on Indian Students
The impact of affirmative action policies in US universities on Indian students can vary depending on several factors, including the specific policies in place, the competitiveness of the admissions process, and the characteristics of the Indian student population.
Affirmative action in US universities typically aims to promote diversity and provide equal opportunities for historically underrepresented groups, including racial and ethnic minorities. As a result, it can create a more competitive admissions landscape for students from overrepresented groups, including some Indian students who may come from more privileged backgrounds.
In some cases, affirmative action policies may result in a slight disadvantage for Indian students, particularly those from more affluent or well-represented communities. These policies may consider race or ethnicity as a factor in admissions decisions, which could potentially decrease the admission chances for some Indian students who are not part of underrepresented minority groups.
Cases and Supreme Court’s Decision
The cases, Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard and Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina, Nos. 20–1199 and 21–707, challenged those institutions’ use of that contentious practice, known as race-conscious admissions, and asserted that they resulted in discrimination against Asian American applicants. Chapel Hill and Harvard defended their policies and prevailed in court until the Supreme Court, in January 2022, agreed to consider the cases. The justices heard oral arguments in both cases on October 31, 2022.
The decision reverses decades of legal precedent affirming that a diverse student body is a “compelling state interest,” a stance that had allowed colleges to use race-conscious admissions to reach that goal.
The UNC case was decided on a 6-3 ruling; the Harvard case was a 6-2 ruling because Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, a member of Harvard’s governing board when the case was at an earlier stage, recused herself.
Understanding the Court's Decision
Delving into the details of the Supreme Court's ruling, we shed light on the reasons behind the ban on considering race in university admissions. Colleges across the country will be forced to stop considering race in admissions under Thursday’s Supreme Court ruling, ending affirmative action policies that date back decades.
Schools that have relied on race-conscious admissions policies to build diversity will have to rethink how they admit students. It’s expected to result in campuses that have more white and Asian American students and fewer Black and Hispanic students.
The impact of the decision will be felt most strongly at the nation’s most selective colleges, which have been more likely to consider race as one of many factors in admissions. But some less selective universities also consider race, and hundreds of colleges may need to adjust their admissions systems in response to the decision.
Writing for the court’s majority, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. said that policies that claim to consider an applicant’s race as one factor among many are in fact violating the equal-protection clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
“The court has permitted race-based college admissions only within the confines of narrow restrictions: Such admissions programs must comply with strict scrutiny, may never use race as a stereotype or negative, and must — at some point — end,” Roberts wrote. “Respondents’ admissions systems fail each of these criteria.”
Impact of the Ruling on Indian Students
With the elimination of race-conscious admissions, Indian students must rely more heavily on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal achievements to distinguish themselves in the highly competitive admissions landscape. This shift places greater importance on demonstrating excellence in these areas to stand out among their peers.
Strategies for Strengthening College Applications
With the elimination of race-conscious admissions, Indian students must rely more heavily on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal achievements to distinguish themselves in the highly competitive admissions landscape. This shift places greater importance on demonstrating excellence in these areas to stand out among their peers. Here are some strategies you can use to strengthen your college applications amidst the ruling against Affirmative Action:
Academic Excellence: Maintain a strong academic record by taking challenging courses, achieving high grades, and striving for academic honors. Admissions committees heavily consider academic achievements, so excelling in your coursework is essential.
Standardized Tests: Perform well on standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT. Prepare thoroughly for these exams and consider retaking them if you believe you can improve your scores.
Extracurriculars: Engage in a variety of extracurricular activities and demonstrate leadership, commitment, and impact within those activities. Participate in clubs, sports teams, community service, or pursue personal interests and hobbies.
Leadership: Take on leadership positions within your extracurricular activities or community involvement. This could include being a club president, team captain, or organizing events or initiatives.
Community Service: Volunteer work and community service. Show your commitment to making a positive impact on the community and highlight any leadership roles or significant contributions.
Personal Essays: Craft compelling personal essays that showcase your unique experiences, perspectives, and personal growth. Use this opportunity to demonstrate your passion, resilience, and how you can contribute to the campus community.
Letters of Recommendation: Seek strong letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or community leaders who can speak to your character, abilities, and accomplishments. Choose individuals who know you well and can provide detailed and positive insights.
Diversity of Experiences: Emphasize any unique experiences, perspectives, or backgrounds you bring to the table. Highlight your cultural heritage, international experiences, or any challenges you have overcome.
Demonstrate Interest: Show genuine interest in the institutions you're applying to by attending college fairs, visiting campuses, participating in information sessions, or reaching out to admissions officers with thoughtful questions.
Early Decision/Early Action: Consider applying through early decision or early action programs, if available, as they can demonstrate your strong commitment to the institution.
Embracing a Holistic Approach
While the ban on race-conscious admissions may pose challenges, it also presents an opportunity for Indian students to embrace a more holistic approach to their college applications. You should emphasize the significance of a well-rounded profile that demonstrates a diverse range of interests, skills, and perspectives, thus showcasing the unique strengths and contributions you can bring to a university community.
As the US Supreme Court's ban on the use of race in university admissions comes into effect, Indian students must navigate this evolving landscape with careful consideration and strategic planning. By understanding the implications, proactively strengthening their applications, and embracing a holistic approach, Indian students can maximize their chances of gaining admission to top-tier universities in the United States while maintaining their distinct identities and aspirations.
Sources
Ghosh, Edited By Sanchari. “Will barring Race-Based College Admissions in US Affect Indian Students Too?” mint. 30 June 2023. Web. 15 July 2023.
Jaschik, Scott. “Supreme Court Rules against Affirmative Action.” Inside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs. n.d. Web. 15 July 2023.
“US Supreme Court Ends Affirmative Action Policy: How Does It Impact Indian Students?” Moneycontrol. 30 June 2023. Web. 15 July 2023.
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