The Values Students Convey in Their College Admissions Essays

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  In Poster Session: The Value Students Convey in Their College Admissions Essays

Abstract

This paper explores inequality along the path to college through an analysis of college admissions essays. Thirty-five student application essays were collected from one public university and one private university to understand how institutions construct the requirements of the essay and how students interpret, respond to, and are aware of those requirements. A values analysis was conducted, which examines the guiding principles that shape and frame our worlds. Findings show that all students address the requirements of the essay, but the public university students’ essays focus more on challenges they’ve faced and less on describing how they’ve grown and developed. Findings can help stakeholders create a more equitable college admissions process that more clearly illuminates institutional expectations for students.

Author

• Ralitsa Todorova, CUNY Graduate Center