The shifting U.S. education landscape - and what this means for you?
Anyka Chakravarty, PR Officer at Project Access and a third-year Media, Culture and Communication student at NYU, discusses the shifting policies and practices in elite U.S. universities that are opening the door to opportunities for aspiring students.
In recent years, the United States’ higher education has undergone considerable changes as universities have actively been taking bold steps to prioritise accessibility and equity. By ending legacy admissions, revising financial aid policies, and expanding support for underrepresented students, institutions are working to ensure that potential—not privilege—defines opportunity.
In 2024, California became the second state to ban legacy preferences on a statewide level. Legacy admissions, which give preferential treatment to applicants with family ties to alumni, have long been criticized for perpetuating privilege. By removing this practice, California’s private colleges ensure that all students—regardless of their familial connections—are evaluated based on their abilities and achievements.
“This move reflects a growing trend across U.S. universities to reassess admission practices that have historically favoured privileged groups.”
Several states and institutions have followed suit, emphasising holistic admissions processes that consider a broader range of factors beyond grades and test scores.
More than 2,000 four-year colleges in the U.S., including highly selective universities such as Columbia, Vanderbilt, and Duke, stopped requiring SAT or ACT scores for fall 2025 admissions. These shifts are particularly significant given the strong correlation between standardized test scores and family income. Wealthier students often have access to extensive resources such as private tutors, test preparation programs, and the ability to retake exams multiple times, all of which can substantially boost scores.
“In contrast, low-income students face significant barriers, including limited access to these resources and less well-funded schools, which tend to offer fewer Advanced Placement (AP) courses and test preparation opportunities. By removing standardised test requirements, colleges aim to mitigate these systemic inequities.”
Alongside these policy changes, U.S. universities have been focusing on improving financial aid accessibility and expanding first-generation student programs. To combat the financial struggles that serve as significant barriers to education, many institutions have expanded aid offerings and created specific scholarships for underrepresented groups.
A notable example is The NYU Promise, which guarantees that every undergraduate student — domestic or international — admitted to NYU’s New York campus with a family income under $100,000 will have their tuition fully covered. This policy even extends to current students who qualify, ensuring that their scholarships will be adjusted accordingly. Programs like this aim to make higher education more equitable for talented students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
Additionally, initiatives to support first-generation college students are becoming more widespread. Programs that provide mentorship, career guidance, and peer support are helping these students navigate the unfamiliar terrain of higher education. These efforts are designed to ensure that students not only gain admission but also thrive once they arrive on campus.
Organisations like Project Access play a critical role in supporting these efforts. With a mission to empower underrepresented students through mentorship and provide them with the tools needed to access top-tier universities — guidance on everything from application processes to securing financial aid — Project Access is helping to further these institutional changes.
The U.S. Undergraduate Program offers personalized support that prepares students for success, empowering them to navigate the complex higher education system.
“We at Project Access believe that students should thrive, not just survive.”
The removal of legacy admissions, coupled with the expansion of financial aid and first-generation programs, is part of a larger movement in U.S. higher education toward greater inclusivity. These actions show a clear commitment to creating a more diverse and equitable educational environment, where every student, no matter their background, has the opportunity to succeed.
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