INTRODUCTION In March 2019, news broke of “Operation Varsity Blues,” an investigation led by the U.S. Attorney’s office in Massachusetts which resulted in charges against 53 individuals, mostly parents who had paid to gain an advantage for their sons or daughters applying to selective colleges. The news attracted a great deal of media coverage and public attention and led to a national discussion of the fairness of the admissions process and the criteria used by admissions offices. The following are some of the public opinion data on these issues. COLLEGE ADMISSIONS FAIRNESS

Which of the following better describes your view of college admission?

In general, how fair do you think the college admissions process is for students who are applying?

There has been a lot of discussion about college admissions recently. Do you think college admissions generally are conducted in a fair way, or do they favor the wealthy and well-connected in an unfair way?

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS CRITERIA

Here are some factors colleges and universities may consider when making decisions about student admissions. Do you think each of the following should be a major factor, a minor factor, or not a factor in college admissions?

Should standardized tests like the SAT and ACT continue to be used as a way to screen out applicants?

I’m going to read you a number of common practices in the college admissions process. Please tell me if you find each of the following acceptable or not acceptable.

FREE (PUBLIC) HIGHER EDUCATION

Would you prefer to have the free market or the government be primarily responsible for what happens in each of the following areas? How about…higher education?

From what you know, do you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose each of the following proposals?…Providing free tuition at state colleges and universities.

Do you think free college tuition at public colleges or universities is a good idea or a bad idea?

Would you consider each of the following proposals to be a socialist policy?…Free college tuition.

Let’s talk about several issues that are now being discussed by (2020) Democratic candidates for president and for each, please tell me whether you prefer that the Democratic nominee support it or not….Free higher education (Asked of Democrats and Independents)

How important is it to you that the Democratic candidate for president (in 2020) supports…making public colleges tuition-free? Very important, somewhat important, not too important, or not at all important? (Asked of Registered Democrats and Democratic-leaning Independents).

FORGIVING STUDENT LOANS/DEBT

If you have student loans, would you say that your student loans have prevented you from making large purchases, such as a house or a car, or wouldn’t you say that?

If you have student loans, would you say that you regret taking on those loans to get your degrees or degrees, or wouldn’t you say that?

From what you know, do you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose each of the following proposals?

Now, I would like to read you a list of issues. Please listen as I read the list and tell me, for each one, who you think would do a better job of handling this issue–President Donald Trump or the Democrats in Congress…Student loans.

Now, I would like to read you a list of issues. Please listen as I read the list and tell me, for each one, who you think would do a better job of handling this issue–the Republicans in Congress or the Democrats in Congress.…Student loans.