On Point | Podcast How should American colleges measure merit?
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Aug 12, 2025 Richard Kahlenberg, an education expert and author of 'Class Matters,' discusses how American colleges should redefine merit in admissions. He argues for focusing on class rather than race to achieve true diversity and fairness. The conversation delves into the complexities of college admissions, particularly at elite universities like Harvard, where wealth and legacy often overshadow genuine merit. Kahlenberg emphasizes the need to integrate socioeconomic factors to create a more equitable educational landscape, advocating for a shift in priorities that benefits low-income students.
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Privilege Shapes Elite Admissions
- Richard Kahlenberg argues elite admissions prioritize class over race in practice, with legacy and athlete preferences favoring the wealthy.
- He says transparency about admissions processes is necessary because universities hide many unfair advantages.
Harvard's Admissions Advantages Revealed
- Kahlenberg describes Harvard's holistic admissions but shows recruited athletes and legacies received massive boosts.
- He cites extreme admission rate differences: recruited athletes ~83% vs non-athletes ~16%, legacies ~55% vs ~15%.
Class Rising As Primary Barrier
- Kahlenberg notes class inequality grew while universities kept prioritizing race over economic disadvantage.
- He argues true merit should factor in how far a student has come, not just raw scores.
