Fair admissions procedures for applicants from low socio-economic backgrounds

The inequality of opportunity within the education system between pupils from high socio-economic backgrounds and those from low socio-economic backgrounds is a major problem. Not only is it unfair to those affected, but it also means that potential within society goes untapped.

Children of parents with high socio-economic status achieve, on average, better educational outcomes than children from less affluent families, even when they have the same cognitive abilities. Privileged families have more resources to support their children’s education, for example by funding private tuition or enabling them to take part in specific cultural, educational and leisure activities.

Do admission tests exacerbate or mitigate this potential competitive advantage?

High exam fees, the need for extensive preparation and the requirement to retake exams exacerbate inequality of opportunity. Applicants with low socio-economic status could, for example, be excluded due to high exam fees. Applicants with high socio-economic status have more resources (time and money) for preparation. Finally, applicants with high socio-economic status are more likely to sit a trainable test multiple times until they achieve good results, whereas this is not possible for participants with fewer financial resources.

So how can admission tests be made fairer?

Three measures to improve equal opportunities for applicants with lower socioeconomic status:

1. Low fees for test-takers: This can be achieved by universities or other organisations contributing to the costs of the tests rather than charging participants the full amount. In Germany, universities may only use a test if the fees do not exceed 100 euros gross.
2. Low trainability: A test provider can use item formats that measure stable abilities and show little training effect in empirical studies. Furthermore, test providers should make free sample items or sample tests available for preparation.
3. Limited retake options: Retakes can be limited, e.g. to a maximum number of attempts within a specific period.