I think the issue about a shitty education isn't getting into college itself, but actually doing well enough to stay in college. People who went to schools that did less to prepare the students for college will be behind the other college students who went to better schools. Thanks to affirmative action, just about every college has spots for the less privileged and underrepresented ethnicities. Of course if one graduated in the middle of their class in their ghetto high school, they will have a hard time getting accepted anywhere. On the other hand, if they are in the top 5%, and especially if they are the valedictorian, they will have a lot better chance since when the admissions officer looks at the transcript, where you stand in your class shows them how you did because everyone from the school is on an equal footing. After grades, the next issue of importance would be SATs and then extracurricular activities. While they won't be able to compete with the kid whose parents paid hundreds of dollars for SAT tutoring, you can still prepare by taking practice tests and memorizing word lists for the verbal sections. As for extracurricular activies... join clubs, play sports, and volunteer. Basically, the more you set yourself apart from the other people, you better chance you will have to get accepted.

And if your parents can't afford to pay for college and your high school resume looks good, apply to Emory University here in ATL. Starting this fall, if your parents make less than $50k a year, they will give you grants to cover all tuition, room, and board. If they make less than $100k, the college will cover all costs after $15k in loans. That is a $180k education for literally free.

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