Texas Senate Bill SB1899

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to common admission application forms for institutions of higher education.

Impact

The legislation is designed to enhance accessibility for prospective college students, promoting a more inclusive environment for admissions in Texas. By mandating that all institutions accept this common application format, it reduces the administrative burden placed on both students and high schools tasked with aiding in the admissions process. As a result, it can potentially increase the number of applicants to higher education institutions, particularly among first-generation college students and those from underserved backgrounds.

Summary

SB1899 aims to streamline the college admission process for students seeking enrollment in Texas higher education institutions. The bill proposes the development of a common admission application form that all general academic teaching institutions, junior colleges, public state colleges, public technical institutes, and private institutions can utilize. This standardization is intended to make it easier for applicants to apply to multiple colleges without having to navigate different application formats.

Contention

There remains a concern among some education stakeholders that while a common application may ease the process for students, it could also lead to a homogenization of applications, potentially diluting the strength of individual institutions' unique qualities and admission criteria. Critics argue that institutions should maintain the ability to tailor their application processes to attract specific types of candidates reflective of their academic missions. Balancing these concerns with the push for greater equity in access to higher education will be a key point of discussion as the bill moves forward.