While opponents of affirmative action say it decreases equity because of higher standards put on some racial groups, it is imperative that colleges consider race in their admissions to ensure diversity. Race should, however, play a reduced role in acceptance, and instead be a way to understand an applicant in a holistic context.

Universities are businesses, and high-level colleges market themselves using their name.

In January, The ROCK staff looked at the multiple facets of rejection in high school life. After turning in more than a dozen applications to various businesses around Columbia, junior Phoebe Johanningmeier...