RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Parental Education and the Responses to Higher SAT Scores
JF Journal of Human Resources
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 1971
OP 2007
DO 10.3368/jhr.0420-10824R2
VO 60
IS 6
A1 Graetz, Georg
A1 Öckert, Björn
A1 Skans, Oskar Nordström
YR 2025
UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/60/6/1971.abstract
AB Using discontinuities within the Swedish SAT system, we study the causal impact of additional admission opportunities on participation in higher education among high-ability students. Students with low-educated parents who marginally pass an SAT score threshold, are more likely to enroll and graduate from programs they could have attended even with a lower score. This suggests that they face behavioral barriers even in a setting where colleges are tuition-free, student grants are universal, and application systems are simple. In contrast, students with high-educated parents respond to enhanced opportunities in ways that appear rational and informed, particularly by switching to higher-quality, more competitive programs.