“ Now that the Supreme Court has made it illegal to use race as a factor in college admission, many students belonging to classes that were previously disadvantaged in the elite college admission process now have increased chances, although the difference may not be as significant as many believe.“

Now that the Supreme Court has made it illegal to use race as a factor in college admission, many students belonging to classes that were previously disadvantaged in the elite college admission process now have increased chances, although the difference may not be as significant as many believe. Asian and Caucasian students stand to gain the most from this controversial decision as they will (in theory, at least) no longer be subjected to a higher standard. Yet, we all know that nature does not like a vacuum and the same holds true of college admission. In the absence of race as a defining characteristic of a candidate, what will take its place and what must students know to be well positioned in the post-race-based world of college admission?

First, it is necessary to understand that the reasons behind using race as an admission factor are noble. For the most part, race-based admission policies do not benefit those who put the rules into place. Conversely, they are intended to equalize a playing field that many consider to be sloped to the advantage of Caucasian and Asian students. However, it is not the intention of this article to justify or criticize Affirmative Action. Rather, it is my intention to discuss what factors will rush in to fill the void, just as air rushes in to fill a jar or can when opened.

It cannot be said that the use of race did not improve diversity on college campuses, which was the main intention. It most certainly did. Most college officials believe that diversity is an important aspect of the campus experience for all students. They believe that having multiple perspectives creates greater opportunity through a broader understanding of our multiethnic culture and pluralistic society. Infusion beats stagnation, and open discussion provides the basis for character-building elements such as empathy, compassion, leadership, curiosity, perspective taking, and purpose.

In the absence of race, colleges will look to other factors that will allow them to continue to provide multiple perspectives to the tapestry that is their college campus and culture. Colleges already use factors such as income (financial aid forms, Questbridge, and Pell Grant recipients), first generation college student, military inclination (ROTC), and recommendations to highlight factors that elucidate a student’s opportunities in life.

Putting on my fortuneteller’s cap for a moment, I predict that the most important factor to replace race will be “adversity.” An “adversity index” will be considered by virtually all highly competitive colleges, although the specific elements of adversity may vary from committee to committee. They will measure adversity based on responses to essays and reading between the lines of applications – especially in the activities section. It will become a common question during interviews, and it is likely to find its way into the recommendation template teachers and counselors use to provide information to colleges on individual students. Shamelessly borrowing from Jeff Goldblum’s character’s line in Jurassic Park, “Life finds a way.” And so will race.

In this post-race-based admissions world, the role that “character” plays will also be turned up a notch or two. Evidence of character will be found in the same places as adversity, and savvy candidates will have to start choosing their free-time activities more wisely. Students will want to demonstrate their empathy, compassion, grit, and determination. They will want to put on full display their growth mindset and clarity of purpose. They will want to look out into the world to determine where they can make the biggest difference. They will prove themselves to be leaders who see the world is a place where they can give back rather than take from.

Suffice to say that this will not be the last gorge to be dug into the admission landscape. Now that the veil has been breached, expect many more (lawyers, advocacy groups, parents, students, and lawmakers) to rush in where before they feared to tread. The world of elite college admission was changed forever by this Supreme Court decision, and it is limping away from the Supreme Court decision with a loosely fitting bandage tied around its wounds. It is vulnerable to attack, and rest assured that there are those standing ready to take full advantage of its weakened state. This is not a value judgment on the merits or deficits associated with the end of race-based admissions. It is simply reality, and clearly visible to all who are looking.