Top 10 Percent Rule

I must admit I was torn with regards to the Top 10 Percent Rule. Although this rule, which is a round-about-way of dealing with affirmative action with regards to college admission, does give opportunity to those students who may not be able to attend Texas universities. But, the rule doesn’t take into account the varying demands of different high schools. Some have criticized the program for not recognizing the work needed to stay in the top 15 percent of a demanding high school versus being in the top 10 percent of a less rigorous one. Some parents have now started to move their children to less competitive high schools to ensure their children will be in the top 10 percent, thus eligible for automatic admission.

It is my feeling that this plan is here to stay, but is in need of serious reform. Whether we cap the percentage of admitted students or we follow California’s example of choosing one Texas college as the Top 10 Percent Rule admittance college. If I had my preference, it would be that admission for all students was based on test scores, GPA, community service, and the all important essay – race would not be a factor. Whatever the reform plan, something will need to be done to ensure that all students have an equal chance at an admission review.