Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy
Betty Ford Classroom
Free and open to the public. Abstract: The term 'undermatch' describes the problem of students failing to apply to the most selective colleges they qualify for. There is evidence that students who undermatch significantly reduce their chances of graduating. Because undermatching is substantially more prevalent among lower-income, minority, and first generation students, it raises immediate questions of fairness as well of resource waste.
Michael S. McPherson, President of the Spencer Foundation, talks about students who are "undermatched" and raises questions of fairness as well of resource waste. November, 2011.
