It has been argued that elite college admissions reflects the evolving value system of American culture (i.e. how we define the notion of “merit” and how we realize the American ideals of “equality of opportunity” and “equality of condition”.)
There have been a number of shifts in elite college admissions criteria since the turn of the 19th century, often created in times of social unrest.
We are arguably in a state of social unrest right now, and it has been some time since we have had a shift in elite admissions policies.
It seems like we are overdue.
If you were Harvard’s new president (Larry Bacow), how would you change Harvard’s admissions policies for the betterment of society and why?
For background, here is a chronology of elite admissions criteria shifts over the course of the previous century:
At the turn of the century (1900) admission was based on the mastery of a particular academic curriculum (i.e. an entrance exam)
Around 1920 there was a shift toward the notion of a an “all around”, or “Renaissance” man (i.e. participation/leadership in extracurricular activities such as athletics, the arts, and various clubs became more important).
In the 1950’s there was a shift towards the notion of the “academic meritocracy” (i.e. grades and SAT scores became more important).
In the 1960’s there was a shift towards the notion of “diversity”. (i.e.under-representation became more important)
In the 1990’s there was a shift towards the notion of a well rounded class rather than a well rounded individual. (i.e. specialization became more important).
What is next?
Here is a reference for further background. It is a book, but the introduction is informative and not that long.
https://www.amazon.com/Chosen-History-Admission-Exclusion-Princeton/dp/061877355X