While overall scores rose, only 48 percent of California students did well enough on the SAT to be considered fully college ready. Ethnic disparities remain as well.
Colleges are looking at ways to help students who work long hours at jobs. Studies show grades slip and graduation is at risk when students work more than 15 hours, but the students say they have few alternatives when financial aid is not enough.
The USC report weighed black students' enrollment and graduation rates, among other factors. California ranked third highest in the nation, although author said results are actually mediocre and should be not celebrated.
The state is pushing UC campuses to widen access to undergraduate degrees by increasing the number of transfer students. UC Riverside's efforts seem to be working, avoiding possible state financial sanctions.
