Need

The Need for Let's Get Ready

Going to college is the most definitive step a young person can take toward a successful future.

But getting into college is hard, expensive and rigorous. Low-income students typically apply to college at a great disadvantage socially and economically - if they apply at all. The SAT, college and scholarship applications, and financial aid forms are challenging even for the most advantaged students.

Harvard's Dean of Admissions, William Fitzsimmons, has called the college transition support that low-income students receive "a national scandal."

You Might Be Surprised to Know

-The average ratio of students to college guidance counselors in America's urban high schools is 470:1.

-Students from low-income families lag 254 SAT points behind students from high-income families.

-The average American worker improves his/her lifetime earnings by $1.2 million (approximately $27,000 per year) by earning a bachelor's degree. That is 87% more earnings per year.

-Only 58% of low-income high school graduates nationwide go directly to college after high school.

-Only 20% of college-age Hispanic students and 31% of college-age Black students are enrolled in college.