In his column headlined “Fact and fiction on affirmative action” (Op-Ed, Dec. 13), Steve Chapman erroneously states that African-American students at the University of Michigan are 2 1/2 times more likely to fail to graduate than whites.
In fact, graduation rates for African-American students over a six-year period were 70 percent for those students who entered as freshmen in 1989-90. Overall graduation rates were 85 percent during this same period.
Mr. Chapman also states that under the University of Michigan’s policies, “a white student with a certain grade point average and ACT score is automatically rejected, but a black student with identical credentials would almost certainly be admitted.”
The University of Michigan has one system of admissions, within which every applicant is evaluated, using the same criteria. All of the criteria are taken into account in the case of every student.
An applicant’s high school record is overwhelmingly the most important factor in an admissions decision. In addition to race, other criteria include test scores, residency, being from an underrepresented Michigan county, the quality of a high school program and the extent to which an applicant has taken advantage of challenges it offers, alumni relationships, essay quality, personal achievement, whether the student comes from an educational environment that is socio-economically disadvantaged, and athletic ability.
Although race is a significant factor in our admissions, neither race nor any other characteristic for which an applicant receives extra consideration overwhelms the significance of high school grade point average. No one is admitted unless we believe the student will be able to do the work that is required to graduate.
Admissions counselors review all applications thoroughly to determine a student’s admissibility to the university. Only applicants with the very lowest test scores and grade point averages are automatically rejected.
As a public institution, the university is committed to educating a wide range of students. We are fortunate to have a rich applicant pool that allows us to assemble an outstanding student body.
A racially diverse student body is fundamental to achieving our educational objectives, and we believe that a University of Michigan education prepares students to function constructively and thrive in an increasingly multiracial world.
