High School Rigor and College

A recent study using data from Florida schools found that students who have a more rigorous experience in high school are more successful in college. While that sounds logical, the study found several significant things that principals can use when working to improve college success for their students.

• Taking a more rigorous math course by 10th grade was linked to higher test scores and attendance at a four-year college.
• Taking a rigorous course in math, English, science, social studies or foreign language was tied to increased likelihood of attending a four-year college (7-9% more likely).
• Rigorous classes are advantageous at any time but have an even stronger relationship to college success when taken in 9th or 10th grade.
• Hispanic, African-American and poor students had a slightly higher graduation rate when they tool a rigorous course by 10th grade.
• The greatest gains occurred for students in high-poverty schools.
• Taking rigorous courses throughout high school, rather than just in the 11th or 12th grade, was advantageous.

We hope you find these data helpful as you work in your school to provide greater rigor for students, one of Oregon GEAR UP's five "R's." More information on the study is available here. We'd also enjoy hearing from you about your experience.