<p>McPucks, it also points to cultural factors and family histories. Many if not most METCO kids are the first in their family to go to college so they set their sights lower, even though the high school encourages them and though need-blind admissions and financial aid is highlighted. Remember that they go to school here but go home to situations where peer pressure is usually negative, even violently so. Peers have a tremendous influence. And for many African-American or Latino city kids, they must move from the pressured, hyper-achievement world (and a very safe place) to one which is in many unfortunate ways the opposite. Money in this case is as much a marker of fitting in to a culture of success.</p>