How students pitched themselves to colleges post-affirmative action

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Hi all!

It’s been one year since a divided Supreme Court ruled against the use of race in college admissions. We wanted to know how, in this changed admissions landscape, students had chosen to portray themselves in their college essays. So we reached out to high school seniors across the U.S., asking if they would share their college essays, along with where they applied and where they’re going to college this fall. Dozens replied, and some agreed to interviews as well.

Their essays tell stories of adversity, risk and courage that filled me with hope for the next generation. Please spend some time with these students’ words, along with our other coverage of this topic.

Also this week, we dig into how schools are teaching math word problems. Hint: They’ve been getting it wrong.

We rely on people like you to support our nonprofit newsroom. Please donate today to become a member, and have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Liz Willen, Editor

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Main Idea

How did students pitch themselves to colleges after last year’s affirmative action ruling?

We read 50 essays; eight students told us how they chose to write about themselves

A message from this week's sponsor:

The EGF Accelerator is supporting strong leaders in sustainable nonprofits that are working to improve the education and life outcomes for low-income New Yorkers. We offer incubation, advanced leadership development, a remote Fellows program, and fund journalism about educational equity. Want to know more? Drop us a line at [email protected].

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⭐ Extra credit! We offer most of our stories under a noncommercial Creative Commons license. What does that mean? You are allowed to repost or reprint our stories as long as you follow these guidelines. Questions? Email Nichole Dobo, our Director of Audience Development at [email protected].

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