Individuality may affect college admission

DURHAM, N.C., Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Duke University researchers suggest an emphasis on individuality in college admission testing disadvantages minority students.

Researchers said a study found alternative reasons why capable students from disadvantaged backgrounds frequently fail to take advantage of the college options available to them.

Looking beyond deficiencies in testing and a lack of exposure to scholarship information, author Jennifer Zimbroff cites social identity, self-contrast, and group identity among several core reasons.

Zimbroff, a law school student, said inherent to the American experience is an emphasis on individuality -- found in both college applications and the decision to leave family and friends for school.

But she notes many students come from racial and ethnic minority populations that are collectivist. Such students, she suggests, might find the self-promotional and competitive nature of college admissions offensive, if not impossible.

In contrast to advantaged students, Zimbroff states: "...they may fear threats to their values and morality, as well as disruptions to the ties of their family and community support networks." As a result, she said, disadvantaged students may choose safer options such as part- or full-time employment.

The study is published in the current issue of Review of Policy Research.