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Pathways to better university admissions Advice on creating fairer and more accessible admissions systems that support wider participation in higher education
The aim of a university admissions team is relatively simple: to funnel the right students onto the right courses. But the reality of attracting and matching talented students to programmes on which they have the potential to flourish, regardless of background and prior education, is a complex and challenging task. Admissions systems need to improve accessibility and work towards wider participation in higher education while also being selective about which candidates secure places on certain courses. From proactive outreach work and developing alternative pathways into university to helping prospective students source funding, this collection of resources looks at how to develop more equitable and supportive admissions processes to ensure university places are decided on merit rather than socio-economic status.
Copyright © 2025 THE - Times Higher Education. All rights reserved. To improve the admission process , get faculty involved
Faculty collaboration with the undergraduate admission team can improve class participation , retention rates , course matches and funding yield – and help reduce misinformation about the process and decisions
How to ensure college admissions are equitable and accessible
As a first - generation college student , Aimee Huffstetler knows how daunting the application process can be . Now working in enrolment , …
Flipping the university admissions process on its head
Why should it always be students who seek out their ‘ best fit ’ campus ? It ’ s time for universities to rethink how they manage traditional …
Improving admissions : how to evaluate the whole student
Brooke Wilson and Karin - Jill Magaziner Schneider discuss admissions criteria and how best to ensure the process considers the …
Targeted advice and guidance is crucial for widening participation
Especially post - Covid , pupils need a strong foundation that prepares them for future post - 18 decisions
How universities can ensure first - generation students and their families feel connected
A first - generation college student herself now working in enrolment , Aimee Huffstetler , shares insight into what administrators can do to ensure first - generation students and their families feel connected to their university
Pay it forward : how to help students secure financial aid
How college administrators can help prospective and enrolled students secure financial aid to see them through higher education , by …
Universities must take a more holistic approach to social mobility
Financial support is only part of the equation – human and social capital are also crucial for helping students from disadvantaged …
The top three engagement challenges facing admissions teams …
Whether it ' s due to ‘ ghosting ’ or ‘ student melt ’ , prospective students are harder than ever before to attract and hold on to , but a …
It ’ s time to end the negative narratives surrounding foundation students
Foundation students are often seen as somehow lacking , but we can challenge the stereotypes around their knowledge and backgrounds to force positive change
How to design early college programmes that foster success for under - represented students
David Dugger explains what an early college programme should focus on in order to improve outcomes for students from under - represented groups
Are STEM admissions processes hindering our diversity efforts ?
The requirement for potential STEM students to have studied traditionally related subjects such as maths and physics seems outdated and unnecessary , says Judy Raper
Challenging elitism in medicine
Early and ongoing support , inclusive selection processes and gateway programmes can help address the inequalities in access to medical training
How to attract and support non - traditional students in higher education
Hurdles and obstacles are created from the outset and then vice - chancellors wonder why their student population is not diverse , says …
I know first - hand that adult learners need a variety of supports to succeed
From flexible class schedules to a friendly smile , colleges that focus on individual needs are best positioned to help …
Universities need to prepare for the mature student onslaught
Higher ed is notoriously bad at attracting and accommodating mature students . Given the workforce shifts spawned by the …
Graduate programmes have a lot to teach HE about enrolment
Steady increases in graduate enrolments have been one of the precious few bright spots during perhaps the most volatile period for higher education in recent memory
Widening access to postgraduate studies : from research to strategy to action
Providing equitable access into and through higher education is a constant battle , especially in postgraduate research , but barriers can be addressed when evidence is connected to action , as Diane Gill explains
How to champion the international student experience from admission to …
An international student ’ s experience at your institution can be very positive with mindful handling every step of the way , says …
Virtual mobility : a first step to creating global graduates
If universities are serious about creating global graduates , they must explore virtual opportunities to build confidence and …
Enrolment throws up issues to be balanced , not problems to be solved
Enrolment managers must realise an increasingly complex landscape doesn ’ t need a quick fix to a short - term challenge but …
Helping refugees get their qualifications recognised
Tips for how higher education institutions and accreditation authorities can recognise refugees ’ qualifications even when they cannot be fully documented
A guide to promoting equity in HE for refugees and asylum seekers
Steps that universities can take to help refugees and asylum seekers access and successfully progress through higher education
