Taylor Odle - Assistant Professor - University of Wisconsin-Madison
Jennifer A. Delaney - Professor - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Member - Illinois Board of Higher Education
Preston Magouirk - Chief Data Officer - DC-CAP
Introduction
College application processes are complex and contribute to barriers in college enrollment.
Students enter the application process with varying levels of financial, social, and cultural capital.
Traditional applications involve multiple steps and are often seen as the most stressful academic experience.
Barriers in College Applications
Complex processes include managing deadlines, submitting resumes, writing essays, and verifying financial aid information.
Such complexities discourage students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, first-generation college students, and people of color.
Inequality in college enrollment is exacerbated by these complex processes.
Direct Admissions Programs
At least 10 states and numerous colleges have adopted direct admissions, admitting students based on data like GPA and test scores without requiring an application.
Features of direct admissions:
Proactive: Personalized information sent directly to students.
Guaranteed: Assured college opportunity.
Universal: All high school graduates receive postsecondary options.
Simple: Clear guidelines for admission and enrollment.
Personalized: Tailored information about college options.
Low-cost: Free for students and economical for institutions.
Trusted Adults: Involvement of parents and counselors.
Research Findings
Non-Submitters: About one-quarter of students start but do not complete applications, despite being qualified.
Application Essays: A major predictor of whether students submit applications; those completing essays are 50% more likely to apply.
Case Studies
Direct Admissions Idaho: Increased undergraduate enrollments by 4-15%, especially among two-year institutions.
Experiment with 35,000 Students: Direct admissions increased application submissions by 12% among treatment groups, especially benefiting minoritized and low-income students.
Remaining Barriers
While direct admissions simplify the process, affordability remains a barrier.
Financial constraints prevent students from enrolling even after being admitted.
Conclusion
Simplifying applications is a step towards equalizing educational opportunities but not a complete solution.
Affordability and other barriers must also be addressed to enhance college accessibility and increase diversity in higher education.
Related Content
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