Because of concern over possible retrenchment by law schools to increase minority representation since the Bakke decision, a survey of affirmative action programs in law school admissions was undertaken. The results indicate that the majority, at least outside the South, read the Bakke opinions as permitting such programs. (JMD)

A major new project, sponsored jointly by the College Board and ETS, which aims to clarify which personal qualities can best supplement academic measures to predict a student's success in college, is reported. Three types of studies that will be undertaken are admissions studies, validity/retention studies and assessment studies. (Author/MLW)

Data on all applicants to U.S. medical schools were analyzed to find how applicant characteristics affected the probability of admission, particularly the function of state of residence separately for majority and minority group applicants. Discriminant analysis and empirical Bayes methods were used, and the differences were discussed. (Author/CTM)

The author comments on articles that discuss the roles of demographic variables, qualitative variables, and the interview in making sound selection for medical school admission; analyze the effectiveness of traditional predictors in selecting successful students; and examine the predictors that best identify minority students likely to succeed in…

Many Asian Americans believe that the admissions policies of many selective colleges are unfair to them. Demographic trends and the resultant political activity are discussed. The admissions policies and practices that Asian Americans consider objectionable are examined and some policy options are offered. (MLW)

Discusses recent Supreme Court decisions that suggest policies of preferential admissions in higher education are safe, at least in the moderate form established in the Bakke case. The article examines the meaning of the Bakke case, reviews the benefits of diversity to higher education, and speculates about the survivability of the Bakke decision…

Federal constitutional, statutory, and case law dealing with minority-targeted scholarships and admissions are reviewed. Applicable laws and standards, standing, admission and scholarship procedures, affirmative action, and holistic assessments are discussed. It is concluded that many existing affirmative action programs may violate the Fourteenth…

The University of California's decision to end some racial preferences used in admissions and hiring is seen by some as an admission of long-term violations of federal court rulings, and as an effort to stem a voter revolt against affirmative action. The regents' vote on the policy is expected to be close. (MSE)

In the wake of the University of California's decision not to continue an affirmative action policy in admissions and hiring, the University system claims it will continue to encourage diversity without "using race, ethnicity, or gender" and is investigating ways to accomplish this. Other institutions are looking at how the policy change…

This article describes a University of Hartford (Connecticut) program in which largely minority-group Hartford city high school graduates are enrolled at reduced tuition. Unique situations for learning are highlighted, including those encountered in residence halls, on campus, in class, in faculty and administrative offices, and in program…

Examines modes of competition for entry to selective Japanese universities using data on graduates from five high schools. Describes four models of selection modes, with "contest mobility" and "tournament mobility" corresponding to myths about U.S. and Japanese selection processes. Connects such myths to different national…

Discusses the mounting pressures higher education faces in finding new ways to assess high school students' fitness for college, describing four problems that state are encountering (economic conditions, high attrition levels, changing high school exit requirements, and the changing face of schools) and explaining states' responses to these…

Surveys courts cases in 2000 that addressed discrimination against students, including gender discrimination under Title IX and racial discrimination under Title VI. The cases return to familiar themes, exploring when, if ever, an educational institution may consider gender or race in making decisions that affect the educational opportunities…

We reviewed the literature on "noncognitive" predictors-specifically, personality as it pertains to graduate education. The review is divided into 3 sections. In the first section, we reviewed measures typically used in studies of graduate school outcomes, such as attrition and time to degree. We also reviewed which student qualities faculty and…

In "Grutter vs. Bollinger," the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the use of race as one factor, among many in admissions decisions is constitutional. It is not known, however, whether future legal opinions will continue to uphold the use of affirmative action policies. Some have argued that class-based preferences can achieve many of the same goals…