You make a good point. I have said before, and I'll say again, I do not like the idea that every kid should go to college. If you haven't taken Algebra II in HS (and passed with an okay grade), you have no business in college, unless it is a specialized program with no Gen Ed requirements (some arts programs come to mind).

Take a look at this article - these kids should not be encouraged to go to college.

http://articles.philly.com/2013-12-22/news/45447656_1_sat-benchmark-college-board-three-students

The article says that 46 percent of kids that didn't meet the SAT college ready benchmark went to four year colleges. Encouraging them to go to college isn't helping those kids or the community. I know it would never pass, but maybe there should be a law that there are no federal loans for a kid's college education unless they meet the College Board or ACT college ready standards. May sound harsh but it would bring kids back to reality.

Let's face it, the college placement tests are not difficult. My eldest put off taking the online math placement test, then got a concussion (hit by a pitch) right before the test deadline. She is no math wiz, but she got the highest placement (even with a concussion). You think these kids would realize earlier that they weren't college material, with all of the standardized tests they give in school.