A study by the London School of Economics and Political Science has found that ethnic minorities are less likely to receive offers of admission from British universities than White applicants. The shortfall in offers of admission exists even for applicants with similar academic records, socioeconomic backgrounds, gender, and type of secondary school.
The study concluded that it is “plausible” that racial discrimination is to blame for the discrepancy. But the authors also stated that “there may be other differences between applications, including the perceived quality of personal statements and the apparent ‘fit’ between the applicant and the course, which may be relevant.”
The authors also stated that many ethnic minority students may attend schools that do not have the proper mentors to advise students on the university application process. They may also be less likely to have family members who have previously gone through the application procedures.
The report, Black and Minority Ethnic Access to Higher Education: A Reassessment, may be downloaded by clicking here.
