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A critique of need-blind admissions in higher education

Guziewicz, Meaghan Brown. Proquest Dissertations And Theses 2009.

Need-blind admissions, as described by the colleges and universities that subscribe to the practice, is a means of expanding opportunity for underrepresented students in higher education. According to these institutions, it is a great equalizer, providing all students even footing in the admissions process.

However, this understanding of need-blind admissions is derived from a false perception of meritocracy. In order for need-blind admissions to level the playing field for all students, they must begin at equal starting points.

Multiple factors, such as race and class, impact a student’s secondary education and opportunities throughout life; therefore, starting on equal footing is an impossible reality. As white affluence continues to dominate higher education the practical reality of need-blind admissions differs from the rhetoric put forth. By exploring the institutional road map between the admissions, financial aid and development offices, I begin to highlight the benefits granted to select students. Through these observations I reveal the difference between practice and publicity of need-blind admissions as well as a system that perpetuates inequality in educational opportunities.

Indexing (document details)

Advisor: Vaught, Sabina Elena

Committee members: Weiler, Kathleen, Worrell, Colleen

School: Tufts University

Department: Education

School Location: United States — Massachusetts

Keyword(s): Meritocracy, Need-blind admissions

Source: MAI 48/02, Apr 2010

Source type: Dissertation

Subjects: Educational sociology, School administration, Higher
education

Publication AAT 1469974
Number:

ISBN: 9781109454598

Document URL: http://proquest.umi.com/
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