How does affirmative action work in college admissions?

I've been hearing a lot about affirmative action, but I'm not exactly sure how it works in the college admissions process. Could someone clarify how it's used and what impact it might have on my application? Thanks!

Sure, I'd be happy to help you understand affirmative action in college admissions. However, it's important to note that in June 2023, the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action, which means colleges may no longer practice race-conscious admissions. Although schools can't use race as a factor in their decisions, they can still consider how race may have impacted a student as an individual.

Before the Supreme Court decision, affirmative action was the practice of considering race or ethnicity as one of many factors in the admissions process to promote diversity in the student body. Schools aimed to give underrepresented students better opportunities by considering their racial or ethnic background as part of a holistic review process.

Now that affirmative action is no longer allowed, colleges have shifted to race-neutral strategies to maintain diverse student bodies. These strategies might include considering socioeconomic status, geographic location, or providing more outreach to underrepresented communities.

You should still approach your college applications by showcasing your unique background, skills, and experiences since these can help you stand out in a holistic admissions process. In your essays or supplemental materials, it's okay to talk about how your race or experiences as part of a minority community have shaped your identity and aspirations. While colleges cannot use race as a primary factor, they can still understand your individual context and experiences, which might inform their decision-making.

In summary, the Supreme Court decision has changed the way colleges consider race in admissions, but you should focus on presenting a strong application that highlights your unique qualities and demonstrates how you can contribute to the diversity and success of the school.