open admission

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "open admission" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a policy or practice where individuals can enroll or gain access without restrictions or prerequisites, often seen in educational contexts. Example: "The university has an open admission policy, allowing all high school graduates to apply regardless of their academic performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Community colleges are higher-education institutions with, typically, open admission policies.

The New York Times

All the studies in the world will never be able to measure the benefits of open admission.

The New York Times

Trump's boast about making stuff up in his meeting with Trudeau comes close to an open admission of this.

The Washington Post

But his open admission that he views expanding voting rights as a threat to his party's power was incredibly revealing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Open admission to institutions of higher learning was introduced to assure that anyone who desired, regardless of qualifications, could enroll.

Britannica

The open admission that he would rather not have picked the front three who started on Saturday and the comment that the squad has "some good lads here.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

So how is it that an open-admission college that embraces academically risky students carries such cachet?

The New York Times

But unlike, say, a startup restaurant chain that could adjust its menu or prices to attract certain customers and improve margins, Cypress is an open-admission school.

The New Yorker

Art was for Oiticica a state of mind and a condition of the heart -- a university for the soul with an open-admission policy.

The New York Times - Arts

Art was for him a state of mind and a condition of the heart -- a university for the soul with an open-admission policy.

The New York Times - Arts

Poorly performing schools, the vast majority, were essentially taken over by the state, which set about converting most into independent, open-admission charter schools.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing educational institutions, use "open admission" to clearly convey that the institution accepts all or nearly all applicants, regardless of prior academic achievement.

Common error

While similar, "open admission" typically refers to a policy where anyone who applies is accepted, whereas "open enrollment" more broadly refers to a period during which people can enroll in something, like health insurance or a school. Ensure you use the correct term for the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "open admission" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as an adjective modifying another noun (e.g., "open admission policy", "open admission colleges"). It describes a system or institution that accepts all or most applicants, contrasting with selective or competitive admission processes. Ludwig AI confirms its standard grammatical structure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

35%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "open admission" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, as validated by Ludwig, primarily functioning as a noun phrase describing policies of unrestricted entry, particularly in educational contexts. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various settings, from news reports to academic discussions. While similar to "open enrollment", it's important to use the term precisely to reflect the specific context of unrestricted acceptance versus a general enrollment period. Alternatives like "unrestricted access" and "universal enrollment" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

open enrollment

Similar to "open admission", commonly used in the context of schools and programs.

unrestricted access

Focuses on the accessibility aspect, emphasizing the lack of limitations.

admission for all

Directly states that admission is available to everyone.

universal enrollment

Specifically refers to educational contexts, highlighting the inclusion of everyone.

inclusive entry

Emphasizes the inclusive nature of the admission process.

accessible admission

Focuses on how easy it is to be admitted.

non-selective admission

Highlights that there's no filtering or selection process for admission.

no entry requirements

Highlights the absence of prerequisites for gaining entry.

easy access

Focuses on the ease of entry.

general admittance

Uses a more formal term for admission, suggesting broad accessibility.

FAQs

What does "open admission" mean in the context of colleges?

In the context of colleges, "open admission" means that the college accepts nearly all applicants, regardless of their academic record or other qualifications. It represents a policy of accessibility in higher education.

How does an "open admission" policy affect diversity in colleges?

An "open admission" policy can increase diversity by allowing students from a wider range of backgrounds and academic levels to attend college. It provides opportunities for students who may not have excelled in traditional academic settings.

Are there any downsides to "open admission" policies in education?

Some argue that "open admission" policies can lead to lower academic standards or increased strain on resources, as colleges must support a more diverse student body with varying levels of preparedness. Critics like James Traub have expressed such concerns.

What's an alternative to "open admission" in higher education?

An alternative to "open admission" is a selective admission process, where colleges carefully screen applicants based on academic merit, test scores, and other criteria. This approach aims to admit the most qualified students but may limit access for some.