[ArGee]

The trouble is, it takes much more than good high-school grades and intelligence to make it in college, especially an elite college. It takes a character that is inculcated by a culture. The character needs to value working for a future reward over immediate reward, for starters.

Most low-income cultures do not value the character traits necessary. It's a sad truth, but it can't be avoided by wishing it away.

[Tax-chick]

The character needs to value working for a future reward over immediate reward, for starters.

This is one quality that is, to some extent, measured by standardized test scores. The tests don't give extra points for being a nice kid who doesn't cause trouble in class.

[~Pandora]

True and this is another area where everyone needs to put some effort into it. The school, the teachers, the guidance counselors, the parents, and the student.

Teachers know the grades a student makes. The counselors help guide the student and the student needs to fill out paperwork.

You get what you put into it.