On the Alleged Need to "Improve Diversity" in Grad Admissions

George Leef

In this week's Pope Center Clarion Call, Professor Jonathan Marks takes a critical look at a recent book by Julie Posselt. Her book is based on research into the decision-making at ten grad departments at some top universities. She found that it isn't very careful or objective, with decisions often based on nothing more than whether the candidate seems to have "grit" or is "cool." Her big point is that, despite all the pressure for "diversity," grad schools should be even more attuned to admitting students who fall into one of the "underrepresented" categories. Professor Marks pushes back strongly against that notion.

 

Image: Students by Bart Everson // CC BY

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