Do colleges know your race?

I'm filling out my college applications and I'm unsure how my race information is used. Do colleges have access to this info and does it affect my chances of getting in? Just trying to understand the process.

Certainly, when you fill out your college application, there is typically a section where you can choose to identify your race or ethnicity. You're entitled to leave this section blank if you prefer not to disclose this information.

As for how this information is used, there are some nuances. The Supreme Court of the United States struck down Affirmative Action in June 2023, so colleges are no longer permitted to practice race-conscious admissions. However, they can still consider the impact of your race on your individual experiences.

This means if you discuss experiences or challenges directly tied to your racial or ethnic identity within your application or article—like facing racial bias or cultivating cultural enrichment within your community—colleges can take that into account. This can provide context for your experiences and can show aspects of your resilience, perspective, and motivation.

In essence, while your self-identified race cannot be used as a factor in a decision, the experiences you share that might be connected to your racial or ethnic identity can be meaningful in the application process.

Remember, the goal of the admissions process is to gain a comprehensive understanding of who you are as a student and person. Amid this view, your experiences tied to your racial or ethnic identity can enhance insight into your candidacy.