ERIC Number: EJ1464745
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Apr
Pages: 42
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0002-8312
EISSN: EISSN-1935-1011
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Inequality beyond Standardized Tests: Trends in Extracurricular Activity Reporting in College Applications across Race and Class
Julie J. Park; Brian Heseung Kim; Nancy Wong; Jia Zheng; Stephanie Breen; Pearl Lo; Dominique J. Baker; Kelly Rosinger; Mike Hoa Nguyen; OiYan A. Poon
American Educational Research Journal, v62 n2 p336-377 2025
For years, discussions on inequality in college admissions have addressed standardized tests, but less is known about inequality in nonstandardized components of applications. We analyzed extracurricular activity descriptions in 6,054,104 applications submitted through the Common Application using natural language processing methods. Overall, White, Asian American, wealthier, and private-school students reported more activities, top-level leadership roles, and distinctive accomplishments (e.g., honors and awards). However, there was little to no difference in the percentage of activities with top-level leadership roles for different racial/ethnic groups. Disparities decrease when controlling for key variables, but salient differences related to race and class remain. Findings do not necessarily support a return to required standardized tests or ending consideration of activities in admissions. Implications are discussed.
Descriptors: College Applicants, Admission Criteria, College Admission, Portfolios (Background Materials), College Entrance Examinations, Extracurricular Activities, Enrollment Influences, Racial Factors, Socioeconomic Influences, Social Justice, Equal Education
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A