The Money Divide: VOX ATL Teen Looks At Impact Of Socioeconomic Status On College Admissions

“The trepidation of applying to college is intensified for students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds,” writes VOX ATL teen staff member Tiffany Pham. “Without extra boosts like athletic recruitment or SAT prep, how are they figuring out the admissions process?”

Art by Tiffany Pham / Courtesy of VOX ATL

By Tiffany Pham

With the recent national stories about the “Varsity Blues” college admissions scandal garnering so much attention, and the ridiculous criminal extent to which parents went to secure their children a spot at elite secondary institutions, it’s safe to say that college admissions are more cutthroat than ever.

Students are vigorously competing to get into dream schools by earning impressive accolades, leadership positions, dazzling test scores and sky-high GPAs.