Questions: of the activity, write a brief evaluation of your work. Activity As you read these two scenarios, think about the questions Who should go to college? and How could they pay for their education? - Andrea is a hardworking student who gets excellent grades. She plays softball and volunteers at a shelter. She was accepted to her first choice of university, but her family can't afford the tuition. - Nick is a hardworking student who gets excellent grades. He volunteered in a science lab in high school. However, he scored one point less than is required on the entrance exam for admission to his first-choice university. If he had scored one point higher, the university would have accepted him and the government would have paid for his education. Part A What issues do Andrea and Nick face?

Andrea and Nick face distinct yet significant issues related to accessing higher education, which are common challenges for many students.

1. Andrea's Issue: Financial Barriers

   • Andrea has been accepted to her first-choice university, which is a testament to her academic achievements and extracurricular involvement. However, her primary issue is the financial barrier to attending college. Despite her qualifications and acceptance, her family's inability to afford tuition poses a significant obstacle. This situation highlights the broader issue of college affordability and the financial challenges many students face, even when they are academically prepared and accepted into their desired institutions.

   • Example: Many students in the United States face similar challenges, where the cost of higher education has been rising steadily. Scholarships, grants, and financial aid are crucial for students like Andrea, who may otherwise be unable to attend college due to financial constraints.

2. Nick's Issue: Entrance Exam Requirements

   • Nick's issue revolves around the entrance exam requirements for his first-choice university. Despite his excellent grades and relevant volunteer experience, he missed the required score by just one point. This situation underscores the challenges associated with standardized testing and entrance exams, which can sometimes be a barrier to accessing higher education, even for capable and hardworking students.

   • Example: The reliance on standardized tests for college admissions has been a topic of debate. Critics argue that these tests may not fully capture a student's potential or capabilities and can disproportionately affect students from different backgrounds. Some universities have started to adopt test-optional policies to address these concerns.

In summary, Andrea's and Nick's situations reflect broader systemic issues in higher education, including financial accessibility and the role of standardized testing in admissions. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach, including policy changes, increased financial aid opportunities, and a reevaluation of admission criteria.