Admissions policy at UCLA

Re “UCLA accused of illegal admitting practices,” Aug. 30

So a professor quits amid charges that UCLA is forced to accept less-qualified minorities for admission to keep the old quota system alive and well.

That’s a shame. I was a white student who was shown no special preference getting admitted to UCLA, yet somehow I got in and graduated. I took the community college route because I wasn’t at first up to UCLA’s standards. Isn’t this an option for minority students?

When does the entitlement end? This is why I’ve never given a penny to UCLA, and never will. They should change the name of the school to Useless College of Lower Academics. Go Ruins!

Kevin Smith

San Pedro

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Unfortunately, political science professor Tim Groseclose fails to realize that we live in a society that cannot be understood simply by crunching numbers. A holistic approach to admissions is the only way to ensure an environment reflective of an increasingly diverse city, state and country.

As an instructor and graduate student at UCLA, I find it deplorable that a faculty member would be complicit in creating a climate that is divisive and not welcoming.

Milo M. Alvarez

Los Angeles

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Re “Keep the UC bar high,” editorial, Sept. 2

The bar is an illusion. When I was admitted to UCLA, I didn’t have an above-average GPA nor adequate SAT scores. What I did have was a program called High Potential, which took in students who displayed traits for success. I was provided with tuition (through loans), remedial education and counseling.

I graduated in 1975. Today, I am employed as a human resources director, I own my own home and my daughter just graduated from a four-year university. I paid for all of it.

Had it not been for creative admissions at UCLA, I would have had none of this. I implore the powers that be to keep extending the dream to deserving young people.

One last thing -- I am African American.

Robert Miller

Santa Fe Springs