Academic Selection: Unlocking the Gatekeeper Mindset
Scientifically Reviewed · Dr. Marwa Abd-Alazim · September 19, 2026
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Admission Procedures: A Review of the Current Literature
Admission procedures refer to the set of rules and requirements that an educational institution uses to assess and accept applicants for enrollment. The purpose of admission procedures is to ensure that the institution is able to select the most qualified candidates for the available programs. This review of the literature examines the current state of admission procedures at universities and colleges. The review will focus on the selection criteria used, the impact of admission procedures on student outcomes, and the legal considerations for admission procedures.
Selection Criteria
The selection criteria used in admission procedures are typically based on a combination of academic performance, extracurricular activities, and other characteristics. Common academic criteria include high school GPAs, standardized test scores, and academic coursework. Extracurricular activities, such as volunteer work, sports, and leadership roles, are also often taken into account. Other criteria, such as personal statements, interviews, and recommendations can also be used to assess applicants.
Impact on Student Outcomes
The admission process has a significant impact on student outcomes. Studies have shown that students admitted through more selective admission procedures tend to have higher academic achievement and graduation rates than those admitted through less selective procedures (Kuncel et al., 2019; Zhang et al., 2018). Additionally, admission procedures can also influence students’ satisfaction with their education (Chen & Chen, 2017).
Legal Considerations
The legal considerations of admission procedures are important to consider. It is important for institutions to ensure that their admission procedures are compliant with applicable laws and regulations. For example, the U.S. Supreme Court has held that an institution’s use of race as a consideration in its admission procedures must be narrowly tailored to achieve a compelling state interest (Grutter v. Bollinger, 2003). Additionally, institutions must also ensure that their admission procedures do not have a discriminatory effect on protected classes of applicants (e.g., gender, race, etc.).
Conclusion
Admission procedures are a critical part of the enrollment process for educational institutions. This review of the literature has examined the selection criteria used in admission procedures, the impact of admission procedures on student outcomes, and the legal considerations for admission procedures. Institutions should ensure that their admission procedures are fair and compliant with applicable laws and regulations.
References
Chen, C. Y., & Chen, Y. H. (2017). The effects of admission criteria on college students’ satisfaction and academic achievement. International Journal of Educational Research, 83, 58-68.
Grutter v. Bollinger, 539 U.S. 306 (2003).
Kuncel, N. R., Hezlett, S. A., Crede, M., & Thomas, L. L. (2019). The predictive validity of college admission criteria: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 145(3), 264-305.
Zhang, D., Nie, Y., & Liu, X. (2018). The effects of college admissions criteria on college students’ academic performance and mental health: A longitudinal study. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 1-12.
