Why are low income students not showing up to college, even though they have been accepted?

There is a phenomenon called “Summer Melt” where many students that plan to go to college never make it after graduating high school. Studies show this effects many lower income students at a higher percentage than the population as a whole. There are several factors that cause this including tuition sticker shock, fear of all the paperwork required and a feeling that they don’t belong.

The Hechinger report had a nice article where they looked at 75 college students who were trained by College Access: Research & Action (CARA) to work with students at their former New York City High School. These coaches came together several times last summer to discuss the students struggles.

Although college enrollment data is not yet available, the percentage of students in last year’s program whose immunization records were sent to their colleges increased to 68 percent by the end of the summer from 25 percent in early July. And 79 percent had scheduled or taken a required placement exam, up from 59 percent. Most hopefully, 86 percent of the students had formally accepted an admissions offer and sent in the required deposit by August.

Here is a link to the original story: Why are low income students not showing up to college, even though they have been accepted?

In our Spring edition we will publish an exclusive article on Summer Melt. The issue will be posted in February 2016. Don’t miss it, if you are not currently subscribed you can sign up for a free subscription at LINK for Counselors