Regents of the University of California v. Bakke

Opinions Opinions & Dissents Hear Opinion Announcement - June 26, 1978 U.S. Supreme Court Regents of Univ. of California v. Bakke, 438 U.S. 265 (1978) Regents of the University of California v. Bakke No. 7811 Argued October 12, 1977 Decided June 28, 1978 438 U.S. 265 CERTIORARI TO THE SUPREME COURT OF CALIFORNIA Syllabus The Medical School of the University of California at Davis (hereinafter Davis) had two admissions programs for the entering class of 100 students -- the regular admissions program and the special admissions program. Under the regular procedure, candidates whose overall undergraduate grade point averages fell below 2.5 on a scale of 4.0 were summarily rejected. About one out of six applicants was then given an interview, following which he was rated on a scale of 1 to 100 by each of the committee members (five in 1973 and six in 1974), his rating being based on the interviewers' summaries, his overall grade point average, his science courses grade point average, his Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) scores, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and other biographical data, all of which resulted in a total "benchmark score." The full admissions committee then made offers of admission on the basis of their review of the applicant's file and his score, considering and acting upon applications as they were received. The committee chairman was responsible for placing names on the waiting list and had discretion to include persons with …