In recent years, there has been a significant increase in minority applicants using The Common Application (commonly referred to as the Common App) to apply to colleges and universities across the United States. While this rise in applications from underrepresented groups is certainly a positive sign of increased access to higher education, it’s important to ask whether this trend truly signifies equity in admissions.

The Common App is a widely used college application platform that allows students to apply to multiple schools with just one application. It streamlines the application process and makes it easier for students to apply to a wide range of institutions. In recent years, The Common App has reported a steady increase in the number of minority applicants, with Black and Hispanic students making up a larger percentage of applicants compared to previous years.

This increase in minority applicants is encouraging, as it suggests that more students from underrepresented backgrounds are considering and applying to college. However, the key question is whether these students are being admitted to colleges at the same rate as their white peers. Studies have shown that minority students face systemic barriers in the college admissions process, including discrimination, lack of access to resources, and bias in the selection process.

While The Common App has made it easier for students from all backgrounds to apply to colleges, it does not guarantee equity in the admissions process. Colleges and universities still have the final say in who they admit, and many institutions have been criticized for their lack of diversity and inclusion initiatives.

In order to truly achieve equity in admissions, colleges and universities need to actively work to address the systemic issues that prevent underrepresented students from gaining access to higher education. This includes increasing financial aid and scholarship opportunities, implementing holistic admissions processes that take into account a student’s individual circumstances, and fostering a more inclusive campus environment.

Additionally, colleges and universities can work with organizations and community groups to reach out to underrepresented students and provide them with the support and resources they need to succeed in the college admissions process. By actively working to level the playing field for all students, colleges and universities can ensure that their student body reflects the diversity of the larger society.

In conclusion, while the increase in minority applicants using The Common App is a step in the right direction, it’s important to remember that equity in admissions is about more than just numbers. Colleges and universities must actively work to dismantle systemic barriers and create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, regardless of their background. Only then can true equity in admissions be achieved.