Role of Ethnic Student Groups in College Application

Many US colleges and universities promote diversity within their community and embrace varying ideas, experiences, and backgrounds from students of different races and cultures. However, this concept raises a lot of wrong assumptions from applicants and parents alike. Many people think that US colleges, to encourage diversity, bypass more qualified applicants to be able to accept minority candidates.


A college admissions coach and counselor debunks this myth, and confirms that highly selective
universities use high academic benchmark in selecting candidates. This benchmark includes factors such as a GPA, class rank, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and unique accomplishments both inside the school and within the community. Now, diverse candidates who have been considered would mean that they were able to reach this academic benchmark. The fact they belong to an underrepresented ethnic group simply adds further dimension to their profile. So, all things being equal, this distinction may enable a candidate to move from the “being considered” pile into the “accepted” pile.


Below is a list of some interesting student ethnic groups that can help members boost their college 
application further and help them get into the “accepted” pile of students.


African American Student Group

The African American ethnic student group focuses on the academic
and non‐academic concerns of African American students. It aims to address challenges facing African Americans and provide necessary cultural and educational assistance. The group also fosters student development and success through academic excellence, cultural awareness, leadership, and community service.


Asian American Student Group

The Asian American student group is composed of Asian Americans
who are committed to promote awareness and encourage interaction within the community they
belong in through social, cultural, academic, and athletic activities. The group also vanguards the
different issues facing Asian Americans today.


Hispanic and Latin American Student Group

The Hispanic and Latin American student group serves to
establish a bond among Hispanic students, while preserving and promoting the richness and diversity of the Hispanic and Latin American culture. Members of the group are taught to encourage cultural
diversity, articulate the concerns of Hispanic and Latino students, and cultivate relationships with other student organizations.


Korean Student Group

The Korean student group is normally composed of Korean Americans, Korean
Adopted, and Korean International students. It aims to introduce and spread the Korean culture into a
wider community. Members of the organization are committed to contribute their efforts into
supporting the Asian and Korean community through volunteer works and social and educational
events.


While ethnicity is not the primary criterion of colleges and universities when making admissions
decisions, it sure does boost a candidate’s application, especially when s/he can demonstrate how actively s/he participates in and contributes to an ethnic student group.