I have to write a research paper for my English class, but I'm struggling to find an interesting topic. Do you guys have any suggestions for topics? Bonus points if it's something related to the college application process!
One possible topic connected to the college application process could be exploring the impact of standardized testing on college admissions. This subject has gained significant attention in recent years, with many colleges adopting test-optional policies and debating the merit of standardized tests as an accurate predictor of student success.
Your research paper could evaluate the history of standardized testing, analyze its pros and cons, and even explore the consequences of adopting test-optional or test-blind policies on college acceptance rates and student populations. This topic could allow you to delve into data analysis, discussing how various admission committees perceive and weigh standardized test scores when making admissions decisions.
Another option might be to conduct a comprehensive study on how financial aid factors into college decision-making processes for both students and institutions. In this paper, you could investigate different types of financial aid, such as grants, scholarships, and loans, and assess their impact on college access and affordability for various socio-economic groups. You may even choose to focus on how merit-based versus need-based aid plays a role in shaping the demographics of student populations at certain institutions.
A third potential topic could revolve around the increasing importance of extracurricular activities in the college admissions process. You could examine the role that extracurricular activities have played historically in the selection process and how they have evolved over time.
In this exploration, you can analyze how the "4 Tiers of Extracurriculars" is used to evaluate student achievements. For more on the 4 Tiers of Extracurricular Activities, check out this CollegeVine article: https://blog.collegevine.com/breaking-down-the-4-tiers-of-extracurricular-activities/
You might also discuss the discrepancies in access to resources for certain classifications of activities among students from diverse backgrounds and the impact this has on their college prospects.
Whichever topic you decide to choose, remember to keep the scope focused and manageable, so you can dive deep into the subject matter and offer a well-reasoned, well-supported analysis. Good luck with your research paper!
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