The recent Supreme Court ruling on race-based affirmative action in college admissions has sparked a discussion about the advantages that certain individuals enjoy in the admissions process. However, a new study from Opportunity Insights reveals that these advantages go beyond race. The ultra-rich have a significantly higher chance of gaining admission to elite colleges, even when their academic success is taken into account.
It is important to understand that no one actually “deserves” a spot at any specific university. Building a truly meritocratic admissions program is a complex task. How can you fairly distinguish among tens of thousands of exceptional students? Is a best-selling novel more valuable than a perfect GPA? Should an admissions officer consider a student with average grades but a perfect SAT score who explains their academic shortcomings due to taking care of a sick parent as more “meritorious” than a student with excellent grades and scores?
Any method of differentiating among these exceptional applicants is subjective, and any traits or backgrounds that give students an advantage could be seen as “unearned.” However, it is race-based affirmative action that carries a stigma. Students of color who benefit from these policies become targets of resentment from their peers and colleagues.
It is worth noting that other forms of unearned privilege, such as legacy admissions or participation in exclusive sports like rowing or lacrosse, are seen as a sign of belonging. Legacy kids proudly display their family connections, and athletes share their experiences on their resumes. These forms of privilege are accepted and even celebrated.
In a system that requires subjective discrimination, there is no objective measure of who is the most qualified. Men have an easier time gaining admission to elite schools than women. Geographic location also plays a role, with a majority of students coming from just a few states. Being born in the United States itself is a form of unearned privilege, as individuals from other countries face greater challenges in gaining admission.
The distinction between acceptable and unacceptable unearned advantages lies in our preconceived notions of who belongs in elite spaces. We have already decided that certain characteristics, such as being from a wealthy family or having family ties to the university, are acceptable for the elite. However, when it comes to racial minorities, the presumption is that they do not belong.
While race-based affirmative action may face criticism, the preferential treatment given to legacies and the elite is not seen as embarrassing. This is because we have already accepted these advantages as legitimate characteristics of the elite. The presumption that racial minorities do not belong in elite spaces is deeply ingrained in our society.
The recent Supreme Court decision is unlikely to change the perception of black students in elite universities. The plaintiffs in the case blamed affirmative action for their rejections, even though UC Berkeley, one of the schools mentioned, has been prohibited from considering race in admissions for years. This demonstrates that the issue goes beyond affirmative action and is rooted in a larger societal bias.
It is time to accept that no one inherently deserves to be part of the elite. Should a handful of private institutions, benefiting from substantial public subsidies and tax breaks, have the power to choose our future leaders? While it is important to address harmful racial stereotypes and level the playing field, arguing over the racial composition of future white-collar professionals only legitimizes the exclusivity of the elite.
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