UC Davis offers model to sustain diversity without affirmative action

The University of California, Davis, has used a holistic admission process for the past 25 years to achieve a diverse student body following the state’s ban of race-based admissions. For the past two years, students starting the entry-level nursing program have reflected the program’s applicant pool. The holistic admissions process looks beyond grades to take into account unique experiences, such as whether applicants live in an urban or rural environment or have military experience. The school considers aptitude, essays and letters of recommendations. Applicants answer questions to determine their socioeconomic background. UC Davis does not require a Graduate Record Examination score, due to its belief that data from standardized tests is based on cultural bias and is a barrier for underrepresented students. (HealthLeaders Media article, 7/11/23)