More Rigorous Admissions Standards at Nevada Universities May Affect Minorities

Student Loan Girl — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:05:00 GMT

NAACP and ACLU officials warn that with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the University of Nevada, Reno, increasing their minimum grade point average from 2.75 to 3.0, minority students may be discouraged from pursuing a higher education, according to an Associated Press article (“NAACP, ACLU Concerned About Tougher Admission Standards at Nevada Universities,” June 15, 2008).

Citing a report that showed a drop in enrollment among minority students the last time these schools raised their minimum GPA requirements, the two organizations have expressed concerned that this move may have a disproportional impact on minority students.

In 2006, the two universities increased the minimum GPA requirement from 2.5 to 2.75, which resulted in a 22-percent decrease in black student enrollment and a 50-percent drop in Native American and native Alaskan students at UNLV for that year, according to another Associated Press article (“Freshmen Enrollment Dips at Nevada Universities,” June 14, 2008). That same year, University of Nevada, Reno experienced a 10.6-percent decrease in Hispanic student enrollment.

University administrators claim that those students who meet the new, more rigorous standards will be better able to succeed in the classroom. High school students seeking admission to UNLV or the University of Nevada, Reno with low GPAs, will be able to apply with their SAT or ACT scores instead of their grades.

Students denied admission due to low GPAs may improve their academic performance at a state or community college prior to attending one of the two state universities.

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More Rigorous Admissions Standards at Nevada Universities May Affect Minorities