EMERGEing Educational Opportunities: The Effects of Social Capital on Selective College Outcomes

Abstract Improving college access for high-achieving students from low socioeconomic backgrounds remains a critical challenge. While some research suggests that providing information alone can influence college access, other studies highlight the need for more comprehensive support throughout the college search and decision-making process. This study uses a sharp regression discontinuity design to examine the impact of personalized assistance on selective college enrollment, application behaviors, and SAT scores among high-achieving, low-income, and first-generation high school students in a large urban school district. Results indicate that admission to an intensive, multiyear college access program led to significant increases in applications to selective colleges, the number of applications submitted, and enrollment at selective colleges (Cohen's d effect sizes: 0.32–0.58 standard deviation). Further analyses reveal positive effects on enrollment in colleges with higher median SAT scores, lower admission rates, and higher graduation rates. These findings highlight the importance of sustained, personalized college advising programs in supporting low-income, first-generation students to access selective colleges and advance educational equity.