Supreme Court Ruling Rejects Affirmative Action 

On June 29, 2023, in a significant decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the admissions policies of Harvard University and the University of North Carolina (UNC) violate the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. This ruling marks a turning point in college admissions as it ends the practice of considering race as a factor in admissions decisions, impacting not only Harvard and UNC but potentially shaping the admissions landscape for high school students across the country.

Common App Updates Race/Ethnicity Information Handling Ahead of the Verdict

Colleges using the Common App will soon have the option to hide students' race and ethnicity information on applications, according to the organization. While the race and ethnicity questions will remain on the application, colleges can choose to conceal that information starting from August 1. 

Alternative Methods to Promote Diversity

The Supreme Court's ruling has opened a larger debate about affirmative action and its role in achieving diversity in education. While opinions on affirmative action are mixed, many colleges and universities still believe that creating diverse student bodies is essential for education.

Universities will need to find alternative methods to promote diversity and consider factors beyond race. However, it remains to be seen how universities will navigate these changes and what impact they will have on the future of admissions in the United States.

It is essential to recognize that elite schools receive a staggering number of applications each year, and the limited number of spots available makes the admissions process extremely selective. Despite the removal of race-conscious admissions, the competition for admission to these institutions will remain fierce. The Supreme Court ruling does not guarantee an immediate increase in student enrollment for any race in these top universities.