This study compares and analyzes the longitudinal differences in academic achievement between students admitted through Affirmative Action and those admitted through the general admissions process. The analysis utilized data from the third and fourth years of the Korean Education Employment Panel II (KEEP II) and conducted a latent growth model analysis. The results indicate that students admitted through Affirmative Action initially have lower grades in their first semester of freshman year compared to their peers admitted through general selection. However, their grades significantly improve over time. Additionally, while the grade differences between the two groups are statistically significant in the first semester of the freshman year, these differences are not statistically significant by the second semester of the sophomore year. These findings contrast with previous studies that typically highlight academic underperformance among students admitted through Affirmative Action. Instead, they suggest that these students possess the academic capacity and growth potential to meet university standards post-admission. Therefore, to ensure educational equity, it is imperative to explore ways to more actively utilize Affirmative Action, while expanding interest and research on the academic development and growth of students admitted through this program.