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<p>It’s just as plausible that it has the opposite effect. According to “research” (granted is social science research…), Alg I testing (graduation requirement) encourages drop high school outs bcos kids get the point where they know that they can’t pass; they just quit, thinking, ‘what’s the point?’.</p>
<p>It’s possible that a merit-based finaid programs could have the same effect (assuming the bar is not low). It could discourage low income kids off the college prep track once they earn a few C’s because they will quickly come to believe that they will never be able to meet the merit bar to receive money to attend college. If a juco is their only real opportunity, why work in HS?</p>