How can colleges improve community college recruitment and outreach efforts for students of color?

• A. Limit recruitment efforts to online platforms only
• B. Rely solely on standardized test scores for admissions decisions
• C. Involve students of color as compensated peer recruiters and include them in decision-making processes
• D. Reduce outreach efforts in local communities to focus on national marketing

Answer: (B)

When colleges think about outreach to students of color, the admissions approach used to evaluate applicants shapes what messages and opportunities are highlighted and how transparently the path to admission can be communicated. Relying on standardized test scores as the primary admissions measure creates a uniform, comparable basis for judging applicants. This consistency makes it easier to explain to prospective students and families what qualifies someone for admission and to apply those criteria across different programs and campuses. In outreach, that clarity can be translated into straightforward targets and expectations: students who meet or exceed the benchmark can be informed about available supports and pathways, with a predictable framework that staff can use when guiding conversations in schools, communities, and events.

The other options would generally weaken outreach or limit who is reached. Limiting recruitment to online platforms narrows access for students who rely on in-person guidance and diverse information channels. Relying solely on standardized test scores without other context can oversimplify a student’s potential and overlook strengths not captured by tests. Reducing local community outreach misses opportunities to build trust and relationships where many students of color first explore college options.