<p>Caltech’s choice of admissions system is certainly the most philosophically pleasing: how can you argue against a meritocracy? Perhaps more importantly, the difficulty of the core curriculum dictates the minimum level of academic achievement for admissions which limits any possible use of AA to a minimum.</p>
<p>That being said, I appreciate that other schools do indeed practice affirmative action - even if at the unpleasant level of giving black students a small advantage just because they are black (for example). Why? Because I feel it’s incredibly important to create minority role models. The impact of a few highly successful people can inspire a whole generation of developing students. </p>
<p>For example, if a black student is given a little aid to get into say MIT because of his or her race, but then is able to use that opportunity to do great research and win a scientific Nobel prize, that person alone could help change unfortunate stereotypes and ‘open the doors’ for future black success in science.</p>
<p>I’m not trying to suggest lowering the bar for such people in general - that would be incredibly counterproductive, but it doesn’t feel too terrible to give small preferences in undergraduate college admissions - college admissions to places like MIT is hardly a free ticket to success; much work is still required. </p>
<p>Indeed, I think it’s important to keep in mind that admissions is not about rewarding past success but is rather based on the extent to which one will take advantage of offered opportunities. And those two factors are not necessarily the same and certainly are not if societal benefit is remotely considered.</p>