The attempt to force a desired ratio of Caucasian, Black, Asian, etc. always leads to someone believing that they have been discriminated against BECAUSE of their race.
It is my firm opinion that quotas and affirmative action programs have severely damaged race relations in this country. It was an experiment in social engineering that failed, and failed badly.
I would totally disregard race and concentrate on other factors such as those you suggested. Why should anyone be admitted, or denied admission, based on the color of their skin?
The basis of prejudice against blacks in this country was always assumed to be based on skin color. We were told we need to be a “colorblind” society. (and I agree with that)
If, in fact, skin color is the basis for it, how does paying attention to it in decisions such as these undo that wrong?
I have never seen a defense of affirmative action or quota systems that I thought was rational.
I agree on quotas, and disagree on affirmative action. Like I wrote elsewhere, making racial background or economic background one factor among many in an admission decision is fine.