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Originally posted by Topherfy
So instead of using quantifiable sources like GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and extracurricular activities, they go another route? Affirmative action is great, if someone is qualified to attend a university/college. Don't just try to fill in quota to look diverse, accept those who deserved to get in, regardless of race/ethnicity.
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It is clearly stated that the university uses a holistic review process; this means that despite the fact that they account for race and attempt to create a more diverse student body, there is - as there should be - strong focus on a student's academic profile.
I find it odd that she sued them and assumed her declined application for admission had anything to do with race - what kind of student was she? What were her scores? In what activities did she partake? Just because they consider race as a factor doesn't mean it was relevant to her admissions process.
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Specifically, they were concerned with the university's arguments that Fisher would not have earned admission regardless of her race, that she had already graduated from college, and that she only named the $100 application fee as real damages.
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Applicants who, like Fisher, fail to graduate in the top 10% of their high schools, have a further opportunity to gain admission to the University by scoring highly in a process which evaluates their talents, leadership qualities, family circumstances and race. Fisher had a grade point average of 3.59 (adjusted to 4.0 scale) and was in the top 12% of her class at Stephen F. Austin High School. She scored 1180 on her SAT (measured on the old 1600 point scale, because UT Austin did not consider the writing section in its undergraduate admissions decision for the 2008 incoming freshman class). The 25th and 75th percentiles of the incoming class at UT-Austin were 1120 and 1370. She was involved in the orchestra and math competitions and volunteered at Habitat for Humanity.
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Her grades were comparatively strong, but perhaps not as strong compared to other applicants. Her test scores were comparatively low and near the bottom quarter of admitted students. Her extracurricular activities could have been stronger. She might simply have not been admitted - regardless of race.
What about that fact that she'd graduate college before? They may have been prioritizing the needs of their incoming high school graduates who have no legitimate career opportunities in their fields yet.
Then there's the damages claim - why so little? Did she really care that much and was she that invested in the case, or was this a waste of time for the courts? In fact, did she maybe
know this was a waste of time, and bank on that giving her some easy settlement that allowed her to attend?
