what does this mean? it's concerning a college issue?

Question

A student may seek special consideration for admission if he/she believes that the traditional academic measures are not indicative of the student's potential for academic success. Students not admitted under the regular admission criteria may be considered for admission on an exception basis if they have characteristics and/or talents which will enhance the life and character of the institution. For example, students who have special talents or are from ethnic minority backgrounds may be considered for admission under this policy. If you believe such provisions apply to you, please note the extraordinary characteristics and provide a brief description in the comment section below.

Answer 1

Not every person in life falls into a neat box.

I met a disabled man at my college who had one missing leg and some cognitive difficulties BUT he is very intelligent, resourceful, hardworking AND talented as a classical violinist.

If that same man wanted to go to UCLA, for example, under the normal admission procedures he MIGHT have difficulty getting a high score on the SAT or other criteria but he STILL might make a GREAT college student, do well ultiamtely and also contribute to an enriched campus life!

Under the provisions you cited, they might interview him, give him an oral exam, listen to his music etc and then let him in anyway - i.e. ADMIT HIM - "even though" he did not qualify under "normal procedures."

That is what it means.

It is a good thing.

It is not a quota, it is not affirmative action, it is not reverse discrimination, it just means exactly what it says: that the university is compassionate and SENSIBLE enough to know that not everybody fits into a neat little box. :-)

Answer 2

For example, if a student doesnt mean the academic needs for whatever they are applying for, certain talents such as sports or music and ethnic background (Hispanic and/or African American) will have just as much chance at being accepted as a stupid with great grades.

Answer 3

It means:

If your academic credentials are not good enough to get you into that school that there are other ways to get in:

Are you an exceptional athlete? Do you have any significant accomplishments that would not be reflected in your school record? Are you a refugee from a country where your academic achievements would understate your potential for success? Can you speak 27 languages ? Have you built your own rocket ?

Stuff like that.

Answer 4

You're talking about affirmative action. However there is another classification of students that are less visible -- "endowment" students. They are students from wealthy families (George Bush, John K. Kennedy) with less-than-stellar grades, but are accepted one the ability of their parent to contribute to the university.

There are more endowment students than affirmative action students. Depending on the institution, affirmative action student make up less than 1% of the student body.

Answer 5

If you have a special quality or talent, then describe it, and the admissions office may admit you based on that.

Answer 6

It means if your grades and test scores alone aren't good enough to get into that school, and you are anything other than a white kid with rich parents, you still have a chance of getting accepted.

Answer 7

Affirmative action I guess.

Answer 8

i think it means that if your dad can pass them a blank check beneath the table, you are in...something along those lines