AAST Affiliate Faculty, Julie J Park, Featured in NBC Article: "Asian Americans see mixed results in enrollment after end of affirmative action"

On Thursday September 12, 2024, AAST Affiliate Faculty, Julie J Park, was featured in a NBC article titled, “Asian Americans see mixed results after end of affirmative action"‘.”

Julie J. Park, professor of education at the University of Maryland, said that with the class of 2028 being the first to start school following the decision, much is still “in flux” at schools. Universities are adapting to their new restrictions and some major factors, like testing, can also impact admissions for years to come. Park pointed out that during the height of the pandemic, most Ivy League schools pivoted to making standardized testing optional on applications. Earlier this year, schools like Yale, Brown and Dartmouth announced that they were reversing course.

“What that’s going to mean for Asian Americans is also unpredictable,” Park said. “Some people might say that’s going to favor certain groups, but we actually don’t know.” 

Park also noted that the messy rollout of a revamped Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which included problems with a new form, and delayed financial aid award letters, could’ve impacted enrollment as well. A survey conducted in March showed that 76% of students said the amount of financial aid awarded to them and the overall financial aid process impacted their college choice.

Read the the full article here.