Economics
It's Better to Struggle at a Good School Than to Ace Community College
New research shows that graduation outcomes are better for borderline students who aim above their abilities than ones who pick easier options
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Borderline students with marginal SAT scores often have two choices: They could scrape their way into a four-year public university, or they could enroll in community college.
New research suggests the former is the better option. Even if their academic credentials put them squarely at the bottom of the class, students have a good shot of earning their bachelor's if they take the leap and choose to go to a four-year college, according to a working paper published on Monday by the National Bureau of Economic Research.