Why are Most High School Grads Not Ready for College?

I've heard a lot lately about a significant number of high school grads in the U.S. not being ready for college, and it's a bit concerning. What is contributing to this trend? Are there certain subjects where high school students tend to be less prepared?

There are several factors contributing to this issue, and it's really a complex intersection of influences. Essentially, the readiness of high school grads for college comes down to how well their secondary schooling has prepared them academically, along with the availability and accessibility of resources that support a transition to higher education.

In terms of academic readiness, a significant aspect is curricular alignment. What is taught in high schools and the skills and knowledge college professors expect students to have aren’t always in sync. This often disproportionately affects students in under-resourced high schools that may not offer a rigorous curriculum. For example, Calc BC might be a common course in a well-resourced school, but not available at all in another. Even within a given school or district, there can be significant variations in course rigor.

Moreover, in some instances, high schools may prioritize graduation rates over rigorous academics, causing them to push students towards less challenging classes.

Also, soft skills like effective studying methods, problem-solving, time-management, and independent living aren’t always explicitly taught in high school but are often crucial in navigating college independently.

In terms of access, first-generation college students and those from low-income backgrounds may lack familiarity with the college application process and financial aid options, affecting their readiness. This isn't really a lack of academic readiness, but it could lead to students feeling academically unprepared if they end up at a college that isn't a great fit for them because they didn't know how to locate better-suited options.

While such unpreparedness could span across many subjects, the most commonly cited ones are Math and English. Some students struggle with college-level algebra, and with the rise of STEM fields, advanced math preparedness is crucial. For English, many incoming students find it challenging to write long, analytical essays, a mainstay of college coursework.

Understanding these factors is the first step in addressing them. Programs aimed at addressing these shortfalls are increasingly common, with measures like academic enrichment programs, financial aid workshops, and college transition supports seeing success in many areas.