How School Funding Affects the College Application Process

27 January 2025

When it comes to applying for college, there's a lot on your plate. Between SATs, essays, and endless forms, it’s easy to forget about one of the most significant factors in the entire process—school funding. Yes, that’s right! The amount of money your high school has can directly impact your chances of getting into college. Surprising? Maybe not when you really think about it.

In this article, we’re going to dive deep into how school funding affects the college application process. Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, understanding this relationship could give you insights into why some students seem to have a smoother road to college than others.

What is School Funding?

Before we get into the nuts and bolts, let’s clarify what we mean by "school funding." School funding refers to the financial resources provided to schools by local, state, and federal governments. This money is used to pay for a wide variety of things—teacher salaries, classroom supplies, technology, extracurricular programs, and even building maintenance.

Sounds simple enough, right? However, not all schools are funded equally. Some schools receive a lot more money per student than others, and this discrepancy can have long-term impacts on the students who attend these schools.

The Inequality in School Funding

Here’s where things start to get complicated. School funding in the United States (and in many other countries) is often tied to property taxes. That means schools in wealthier areas—where property values are higher—tend to have better funding. Schools in poorer regions, on the other hand, may struggle with outdated textbooks, insufficient technology, and overcrowded classrooms.

Now, you might be thinking: "Okay, but what does that have to do with college applications?" The answer is—everything.

The Role of School Funding in College Readiness

Access to Resources

One of the most obvious ways school funding affects the college application process is through access to resources. Schools with better funding can offer more Advanced Placement (AP) courses, extracurricular activities, and college counseling services. All of these things look great on a college application and can significantly boost a student's chances of getting into their dream school.

In well-funded schools, students might have access to:

- SAT and ACT prep courses
- College visits and fairs
- Dedicated college counselors who help with applications and essays
- Scholarships and financial aid guidance
- Advanced classes like AP, IB, or honors programs

On the flip side, students in underfunded schools may not have these opportunities. They might have to study for standardized tests on their own, rely on overworked counselors with hundreds of students to assist, or even miss out on applying to certain colleges because they simply don’t have the guidance.

Teacher Quality

Another critical factor is teacher quality. Studies show that well-funded schools can attract and retain higher-quality teachers. Why? Because they can afford to pay competitive salaries and provide professional development opportunities. These teachers are not only more effective in the classroom but are also better equipped to help students navigate the complex college application process.

In poorly funded schools, teacher burnout is common, and turnover rates are high. This instability can make it harder for students to form meaningful relationships with their teachers, who are often key players in writing recommendation letters or guiding students through the application labyrinth.

Extracurriculars and College Applications

When you hear the word "extracurricular," you probably think of sports teams, music programs, or student government. And you’d be correct! But did you know that extracurricular activities also play a huge role in college admissions?

Colleges want well-rounded students who are not only academically strong but also involved in their communities. Participating in extracurriculars can showcase leadership skills, teamwork, and time management—all qualities colleges love.

In well-funded schools, students may have a wide range of extracurricular activities to choose from—debate team, robotics club, theater productions, and more. On the contrary, underfunded schools may struggle to offer even basic programs like sports or music.

Without these opportunities, students from underfunded schools can be at a disadvantage when competing against applicants who have a longer list of extracurriculars. It’s kind of like showing up to a race without the right shoes—you can still run, but it’s going to be a lot harder.

College Counseling: The Hidden Gem

Let’s be real—applying to college is overwhelming. Between deadlines, essays, and financial aid forms, it’s easy to get lost in the process. This is where college counselors come in. In well-funded schools, students often have access to dedicated college counselors who guide them through every step of the process. These counselors can help students choose the right schools, craft compelling personal statements, and even find scholarships to help pay for tuition.

However, in underfunded schools, college counselors are often stretched thin. They’re juggling hundreds of students, leaving little time for one-on-one guidance. In some cases, students may not even know they need to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or apply for certain scholarships.

College counseling is like having a GPS for your college journey. Without it, students might take wrong turns or miss important exits, making the already stressful process even more difficult.

Standardized Test Prep

Let’s talk about standardized tests for a minute. Love them or hate them, SATs and ACTs are still a big part of the college admissions process. And guess what? School funding plays a role here too.

Wealthier schools often have SAT and ACT prep courses built into the curriculum or offered as after-school programs. These prep courses can make a huge difference in test scores, which in turn can impact a student’s chances of getting into competitive schools.

In contrast, students from underfunded schools may have to rely on free online resources or study on their own. And while it’s certainly possible to do well without a prep course, it’s undeniably harder without guided instruction.

Financial Aid Awareness

Here’s a sobering fact: many students don’t apply to certain colleges because they believe they can’t afford it. This is where financial aid awareness becomes crucial. Well-funded schools often have college counselors who are well-versed in financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. They guide students and parents through the financial aid process, ensuring that students don’t miss out on opportunities to reduce their college costs.

In underfunded schools, financial aid awareness may be lacking. Students might not know about certain scholarships or may miss the FAFSA deadline altogether. This lack of information can limit a student's college options, leading them to attend less expensive schools that may not offer the same level of academic rigor or career opportunities.

Mental Health Support and the College Application Process

Applying to college is stressful—there’s no denying that. For many students, the pressure to do well in school, perform on standardized tests, and write the perfect essay can lead to anxiety and burnout. This is where mental health support becomes essential.

In well-funded schools, students often have access to mental health resources like school psychologists, counselors, and stress-management workshops. These resources can help students manage their stress and stay focused during the college application process.

In contrast, students in underfunded schools may not have access to these kinds of supports. The additional stress, compounded by lack of guidance, can negatively affect their performance in school and the quality of their college applications.

The Cycle of Inequality

Here’s the harsh reality: the inequality in school funding doesn’t just affect students during high school—it has long-term consequences that can last a lifetime. Students from well-funded schools are more likely to attend prestigious colleges, which can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries. On the other hand, students from underfunded schools may struggle to get into competitive colleges, limiting their future career prospects.

It’s a vicious cycle—students from wealthier areas have access to better-funded schools, which increases their chances of getting into top colleges and landing higher-paying jobs. Meanwhile, students from poorer areas often face an uphill battle, making it harder for them to break the cycle of poverty.

What Can Be Done?

So, is there anything we can do to fix this? Well, it’s a complex issue, but there are some steps that can be taken to level the playing field.

1. Equalize School Funding: One way to address the issue is by reforming how schools are funded. Instead of relying on property taxes, which disproportionately affect poorer areas, funding could be distributed more equitably across districts.

2. Increase Access to College Counseling: Schools with limited funding could benefit from grants or partnerships with organizations that provide college counseling services. Even virtual counseling can make a difference.

3. Expand Extracurricular Opportunities: Offering grants to underfunded schools for extracurricular programs can help students build their resumes and develop skills that colleges look for.

4. Provide Free Test Prep: Expanding access to free or low-cost SAT and ACT prep courses can help level the playing field when it comes to standardized tests.

Conclusion

School funding is often the invisible hand guiding the college application process. From access to resources to test prep, teacher quality, and mental health support, the amount of money a school has can dramatically affect a student's chances of getting into college. While there’s no easy fix, raising awareness of these issues and advocating for more equitable funding can help ensure that every student, regardless of where they live, has a fair shot at achieving their college dreams.