Giving Compass' Take:

• Eric Waldo and Jenny Rickard share five improvements for the college admissions process to increase access for disadvantaged students. 

• How can funders work to make these improvements at scale? 

• Learn more about the problems of college admissions.

he higher education landscape was rocked with a widespread college admissions scandal involving wealthy families cheating to gain admission to college for their children. Allegations like this erode public trust in the college admissions process and further disadvantage those applicants who are underrepresented in higher education.

While we share the outrage at the terrible behavior being reported, what's more important is that we not let this sensational story distract us from the structural inequities in higher education. Today only 9 percent of low income students get a college degree by age 24, compared with 73 percent of higher income students, according to a study by the Pell Institute.

As higher education professionals committed to breaking down the barriers to college and career access, we must acknowledge and confront the obstacles students face when navigating the post-secondary planning process. Here are five ways to do that:

  1. Establish a growth mindset and inspire confidence.
  2. Empower students to value their life experiences.
  3. Invest in those who support students.
  4. Provide access to free tools and resources.
  5. Create a culture where communities celebrate college success.

Read the full article about improving the college admissions process by Eric Waldo and Jenny Rickard at EdSurge.