The U.S. Affirmative Action Ruling Reverberates Abroad


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Counsellor Notes
28 August 2023



UCAS Admissions Results for the 2022-2023 Cycle
On August 17, when A-level students received their exam results, some 79% of UK school leavers gained a place at their chosen university or college. In addition, 51,210 international students were accepted to their firm or insurance choice, comprising 13% of all students placed. EU applicants to UK universities were down by 3% this year, a smaller decline than the 18% and 43% drops recorded in 2022 and 2021, respectively. Overall, admissions for the 2022-2023 cycle were more competitive than last year due to the growing number of UK school-leavers. As a result there were fewer places available in Clearing, with nine schools in the selective Russell Group reporting no vacancies. Computing courses became the 7th most popular subject with applications up 33% over 2021. Business and management degrees continued to occupy the top spot.
The U.S. Affirmative Action Ruling
The U.S. Supreme Court's July decision banning consideration of race in university admissions has had immediate impacts. Many schools reacted swiftly to release statements confirming their commitments to educational diversity as they study the decision's ramifications over the longterm. Many have added new essay questions to their applications for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle to give students space to reflect on their identities. A few have begun to dismantle the practice of legacy admissions, whereby preference is given to applicants whose family members have attended or made financial donations to the school. The ruling has also affected international student perceptions of higher education in the U.S.
The New UCAS Reference
As part of a broader reform package for UK university applications for 2024 entry, UCAS has announced changes to the school reference. The changes will include a new section focused on extenuating student circumstances and needed support, and reduce the space to report on student achievement. This will put a greater spotlight on how students themselves present their achievements in the personal statement.







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