Unmasking Bias in University Admissions: A Personal Experience

Bias can subtly shape university admissions decisions. This firsthand account highlights hidden selection factors and the need for greater transparency. Let’s explore.

The Unexpected Twist in Our MBA Journey

People who know me describe me as humble and diplomatic. I’m usually calm, and it takes a lot to rattle me. But my experience with a university in a top study destination truly tested my patience—and that says a lot.

My partner and I applied for the same MBA program, keeping our relationship a secret throughout the process. We met in college, sharing a major and minor, and later joined the same consulting firm. While we hold equal positions, my partner’s learning trajectory has been slightly different—something that subtly sets us apart.

To mitigate risk, we applied to three institutions:

• A safe choice where we met all criteria and were even offered scholarships.
• An OK choice where we fit the profile but needed a competitive edge.
• Our dream school where we had to push our limits, but our credentials, consulting experience, and social engagements made us strong candidates.

As expected, we secured admission to our safe choice. Then came the moment of celebration—both of us received acceptance letters from our dream school! A huge sigh of relief.

But then, an unexpected twist—my partner was admitted to our OK choice with a scholarship, while I was rejected.

The Reality of Admissions Bias

While I was genuinely happy for my partner, the rejection from the OK choice left me puzzled. The lack of feedback made me question the transparency of the selection process—especially for those who invest so much effort into their applications.

A friend from the university later shared some insight: my profile was deemed "normal," while my partner’s was considered "outstanding." The part that struck me most? This judgment was made without even an interview.

I’m not personally upset about the rejection—after all, we’re heading to our dream school. However, the experience made me reflect on the biases that might exist in admissions decisions. How often do universities make such subjective assessments? And how many qualified candidates miss out because of unseen biases in the process?

The Bigger Picture

Admissions processes should be transparent, with clear criteria for selection and rejection. Without proper feedback, candidates are left questioning their worth—and that shouldn’t be the case in higher education.

If you’re interested in exploring the impact of bias in university admissions, visit 2040 University Success for more insights. For admissions advice, check out our Admissions Services or seek expert guidance.