There are so many societal norms that make life easier for one group of people over another. Not that privilege is bad or that we shouldfeel guilty for having such advantages, but we should recognize our privilege and work collectively harder to change this university and society in general. Everyone has their own unique talents, aptitudes and special circumstances. Sometimes there are events beyond our control that make life more stressful and are reflected negatively in our grades, our test scores and our social lives. I believe that is what affirmative action takes into consideration.
Quotas are illegal.
I am merely suggesting an extension of a process that is already in place. Currently, the UC regents admit 50 to 75 percent of the student body at UC schools based on test scores and GPA alone. This practice ensures that the top students will be accepted. The remaining students are chosen based on their essays and other personal information. Affirmative action only makes race and gender an additional consideration in deciding which of the many qualified applicants to admit.