The Bakke decision, which addressed affirmative action in college admissions, is examined with focus on Justice Powell's ruling. Justice Powell ruled that the need for diversity on campus justifies a minority admissions program, and that other considerations not accepted may have validity if properly argued. (Author/JMD)

The problem associated with validating an admissions test when such validation is based solely on the scores of the accepted, and therefore, restricted, group of applicants is demonstrated. A correction formula that estimates the correlation between admission test scores and a subsequent measure of performance for the entire group of applicants is…

Examines relative gender access to elementary school education from 1977 to 1990 in Imo State (Nigeria). It discusses the reasons for, and implications of, any observed gender disparities in access to elementary school education and suggests appropriate intervention strategies to eliminate obstacles to female access to education in Nigeria. (GR)

Examines recent changes in admission patterns and policies of some of the most prestigious American institutions of higher education, with particular reference to the University of California-Berkeley. Assesses the impact of these changes on Asian Americans and the principle of meritocracy. (FMW)

Discusses the need for consensus about the ethics of need-blind admission by focusing on principles concerning the practice of college admissions. Argues that colleges should not abandon need-blind admissions but should, instead, remove expectations that colleges should meet the full needs of all the students they accept. (RJM)

Describes changes that have occurred in high schools, colleges, and the entrepreneurial admission sector. Relates the evolution of the admission officer's job since the early 1960s and the profession's rapid growth. Details the hybrid role of marketer and educator for chief admissions officers, and issues a call for professional standards. (RJM)

Provides information showing that under a race-blind admissions policy at institutions of higher education, blacks would still be largely excluded from the nation's highest-ranked universities. The paper illustrates how admissions policies based on socioeconomic status and entrance examination scores would largely benefit white and Asian students…

Course selection of 795 gifted adolescents in a summer residential program differed along traditional gender lines in mathematics, science, and writing/literature. Girls and boys performed equally well in all types of classes; main effects in achievement and motivation were found only for type of class. The Scholastic Aptitude Test served as a…

Studies on race-based admissions, sports and sex, and religion and drugs suggest that: affirmative action policies were successful regarding college admissions; boys who play sports are more likely to be sexually active than their peers, with the opposite true for girls; and religion is a major factor in whether teens use cigarettes, alcohol, and…

Parents want to send their children to schools that are free not to teach everyone. Since schools are susceptible to societal disorders, pressures to provide school choices offering "safe havens" for learning will persist. Schools can do little to protect their learning environment from uncooperative students. A forced-exit process for unruly…

Describes Open Meadow Learning Center (Portland, Oregon), a private alternative high school with a long waiting list and a probationary period for new students. School features include an advocacy role for teachers that strengthens teacher/student relationships, 80% attendance requirement, safe and supportive environment, environmental…

After the appellate court decision in Hopwood versus State of Texas, overturning racial preference in law school admissions, supporters of continued affirmative action policy in higher education are finding conservatives on the offensive and a chilly climate for broad access, but are not planning an aggressive counterattack for fear of negative…

A recent report on University of California admissions practices over the last five years reveals that it is not uncommon for college admissions offices to admit otherwise unqualified students based on special admissions considerations, such as relationship to alumni or large donors. Experts feel the practice is nationwide. Survey data on relative…

An economist discusses whether strategic use of student financial aid to achieve sound fiscal goals in higher education is at odds with the competing goal of equity. Overemphasis on efficiency will cause higher education to lose sight of its mission; while it should not shy away from rational consideration of expenses and revenues, it should…

According to a report from the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education (NCPPHE), a nonprofit organization that promotes public policies that enhance higher education opportunity, 250,000 prospective students were locked out of college in 2003-2004 because of increased tuition or reductions in admissions and course offerings. The…