NACAC - Spring 2020 - 21

CONFERENCE CORNER

MICRO-BARRIERS IN COLLEGE
ADMISSION

How Application Fees and Enrollment Deposits Can Thwart College Access
Back when Dustin Lynn was thinking about
college, he wasn't sure where or how to apply.
Lynn grew up in Waynesboro, Tennessee, a
remote outpost of 2,500 people about 100
miles southwest of Nashville. Rural parts of the
US rarely see admission officers visiting high
schools or attending college fairs, and it was
no different for Lynn and his classmates. But
he was a bit different. He excelled in school
and earned one of the highest standardized test
scores the county had ever seen. Despite the

lack of exposure to four-year colleges, Lynn took
a leap and applied early decision to a highly
selective college.
Lynn's family was situated on the lowest
economic rung in one of the poorest counties
in Tennessee. He lived in a mobile home on
rural country land where his dad mowed
lawns and took up odd jobs for a living. His
mom worked in a sewing factory. So when
Lynn received his acceptance letter-as
well as his financial aid award, lined with a

Pell Grant, subsidized loans, and tremendous
institutional aid, he was thrilled. Until he read
what was required next: a $400 matriculation
deposit, due in short order.
The enrollment deposit that Lynn and his
family had to pay is an example of a microbarrier. Micro-barriers, or logistical roadblocks
students face in the college admission process,
cause undue harm and disproportionately
affect low-income and first-generation college
students. Unlike macro-barriers-systemic and
structural obstacles to achievement, access, and
affordability (think neighborhood segregation and
concentrated poverty)-micro-barriers can more

SPRING 2020

PHOTO © NATHAN ANDERSON.

Conference Corner articles highlight research and insights previously shared by presenters at a NACAC conference. Andrew Moe, Swarthmore College
(PA), was part of a panel that explored micro-barriers at NACAC's 2019 National Conference. Other panelists included Claire Kirby, University of North
Carolina at Charlotte; Kelly Talbert, Boise State University (ID); Dustin Lynn, Battle Ground Academy (TN); and Brandi Smith, Marietta High School (GA).

NACAC - Spring 2020

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