With student viewpoints largely left out of the national conversation on the college admission process, the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) commissioned The Harris Poll in 2023 to gather and analyze the opinions and insights from more than 1,000 young adults on their experiences with applying to college. The poll revealed students believe in the value of higher education, see diversity as essential to their higher education experience, and want to be seen as individuals in the college admission process.
The poll focused on understanding the perspectives of underrepresented students so the results could inform better practices in advancing equity in college admission, a recommendation in a Lumina Foundation-funded report called Toward a More Equitable Future for College Admission. This poll was also made possible through support from Lumina Foundation.