@lookingforward, I understand what you say about URMs, and it’s certainly true that many URMs at highly selective schools would be admitted irrespective of race. However, I think it is simply the case–which I fully approve of, by the way–that URM status is a significant enough plus factor that some students would not be admitted without it. I don’t see that as a problem, nor do I think URMs are being admitted who are unqualified. One reason I continue to make this point is to answer the constant refrain, “If URMs can get in without consideration of race, then why don’t selective schools stop considering race?” The fact is that URM admission at top schools would substantially decline without affirmative action, and I think that would be a very bad thing.