Students navigate post-affirmative action world, uncertain about racial identity

• Supreme Court decision on affirmative action affects college admissions and student strategies.

• Students are debating whether to discuss race in their application essays.

• Some students emphasize racial identity to increase chances of admission.

U.S. Supreme Court building is seen in Washington

Reuters

In a post-affirmative action world, students and colleges are grappling with the consequences of the historic Supreme Court decision to strike down the use of race or ethnicity as a factor in college admissions. The decision, which reversed decades of precedent, has left both students and institutions uncertain about how to navigate the path to diversity on college campuses.

Harvard University, in particular, has experienced a significant decline in applications this year, raising concerns about the impact of the new ruling. With the college admissions process already shrouded in mystery and nuance, the absence of affirmative action has added another layer of complexity for students of color. They now find themselves debating how to address their racial identity in their college applications.

Some students, like Linijah Russell, have chosen to emphasize their racial identity in their applications despite initial fears and doubts. Russell, an aspiring black student in the field of STEM, felt compelled to discuss race as an integral part of her life experience. She believes that colleges are still seeking diversity and thinks it is crucial not to ignore such a significant aspect of her identity.

College advisors, such as Tracy Ramos, are encouraging black students to embrace their racial identity in their applications, particularly in their essays. They argue that discussing race helps paint a holistic picture of who they are as individuals. Despite the absence of checkboxes to indicate ethnicity, Ramos asserts that it is even more important for students to write about these issues, as elite colleges are searching for ways to identify and understand these students.

Conversely, other students have chosen to downplay or omit their racial identity in their applications. Some worry that by emphasizing their race, they may inadvertently alienate admissions officers or become one of many similar stories. One student mentioned considering each college individually and only discussing her racial identity in applications to more progressive institutions.

The Supreme Court's decision has undoubtedly added stress to an already daunting college application process. Historically black colleges and universities are predicted to experience higher enrollment and increased applications as a result. However, amidst the uncertainty, it is essential to note that students of color are not required to focus solely on trauma or adversity to gain admission to college.

In summary, the ramifications of the Supreme Court decision on affirmative action have had a profound impact on the college admissions process. Students of color are now faced with the dilemma of whether to emphasize or downplay their racial identity in their applications. As colleges continue to seek diversity, it remains to be seen how this new landscape will shape the future of college admissions.