AI and College Applications: How College Admissions Actually Works (Part 2/10)

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This mini-course teaches students and counselors how to use AI the right way for college applications.

[@offbrand3914]

If I may ask, do colleges take into account cultural and racial diversity into admissions? For example if I’m applying as an engineering major while being african American, would that be a positive due to the low number in that profession and study?

[@athenaico]

The answer's very nuanced and different universities will take into account cultural and racial diversity in their admissions process in varying levels. What is certain for US universities (after the 2023 SFFT vs Harvard/UNC decision) is that race cannot be *directly* taken into account. Instead, universities will adopt "race-neutral" policies to evaluate students' cultural and racial backgrounds. For example, saying "I am " will be ignored, but talking about how affected you could be the start of a powerful essay.

[@meilide1]

Hi! How can I contact you?

[@athenaico]

Send us an email at [e-mail] 😎

[@user58587]

So, is applying test-optional a disadvantage? (as an international student)

[@athenaico]

Applying test-optional just means admissions officers have one less data point to assess your academic strengths. This could serve as either a disadvantage or advantage depending on your scores and those of the candidates you're compared against.

[@maximus34707]

As Athena Ai said, it depends on who they are comparing you with. If they compare you with someone with a lower SAT/ACT score, then they may choose you. However, if they compare you to someone who has a higher SAT/ACT score, then they may choose the other person. My advice is to try to take either the SAT or ACT just to see what you get. If you get a low score then don’t submit it. This is because in my opinion submitting a low score is more likely to get you rejected than not submitting. If you do get a high score then obviously submit it.