Mission High leads California in UC Berkeley admissions. But many don’t graduate
When he was a Mission High School student, Misael Villalta was grateful for the college counselors who guided him as he applied to selective universities.
The college and career center helped him navigate the forms, scholarships, and financial aid that led to his acceptance to UC Berkeley. But once he arrived, Villalta realized that being accepted to one of the world’s top public universities didn’t mean he was prepared to succeed there.
“The challenge begins once students arrive on campus,” he said. “Many of us are academically behind our peers.”
Villalta’s experience reflects a growing gap between those who get into California’s top public universities and those who are ready for a rigorous academic experience.
