A college education can make a big difference in one’s quality of life, especially from a financial perspective. Statistics show that those with a bachelor’s degree make significantly more per year than those who do not have a degree, so it makes sense to pursue a degree if financial comfort is the goal. Many Americans, however, do not have access to a university degree either due to lack of funds, a subpar high school education, or countless other reasons. In contrast, other people seem to have no problem gaining admission to the best schools and continuing the life of prosperity they have grown to know and expect. This unequal distribution of opportunity forms the basis of this book, The Years that Matter Most: How College Makes or Breaks Us.This book discusses some of the reasons why a quality higher education and the benefits one reaps from such an education, seem to be completely out of reach for so many Americans. The book includes stories of actual students who have struggled at some level as they attempted to gain admission to the university of their choosing, fit in socially with other well-off co-eds, and catch up academically to other students, many of whom went to the best prep schools, attended elite high schools, and had the best guidance along the way, far improving their chances for success in school, and in life.Several key arguments are presented in this book, and they get you thinking about things as they presently stand and whether the status quo needs rethinking. One is standardized tests like the SAT and ACT. In the past, a high standardized test score was essential to apply to most any university, but today, more and more colleges are making standardized tests optional. Another discussion point is the commonly held view that working hard and doing the right thing will lead to success, even though evidence shows this is not necessarily the case. Another core position that this book takes is the idea that young people can learn and achieve most anything with the correct approach and guidance; that there is no such thing as being naturally more gifted or smarter. It’s a matter of having the right opportunities while young and having access to the tools, technology, tutoring, quality teachers, and other things necessary to properly prepare a young person for the future.I like the personal stories presented in this book. They go far in illustrating the book’s key points and many who read may find a story they can personally relate to. As for the book’s main arguments, I agree that standardized tests- and for that matter tests in general- should be scaled back. As a university teacher myself, I have never been a fan of tests and I agree that we are far too reliant on test scores as an indicator of potential success. I can also agree that, when selecting a university, the prestige and ranking of the school does make a difference. It isn’t because the education or the professors are superior, it is more because prestigious employers assume that anyone admitted to these universities is likely to be highly motivated, extremely well disciplined, well organized, etc.One unexpected surprise as I read this book was the mention of the Texas college admissions model. Under the Texas system, any Texas high school graduate who finishes in the top ten percent of their class is automatically accepted to any public university in the state. Of course, all high schools are not created equally and finishing in the top ten percent in some high schools is certainly easier than at other high schools. But this approach at least gives hard- working, determined students a chance for admission to a prestigious school. I appreciate that the book makes mention of the Texas model as a possible way to break down the barriers that underprivileged kids face when they try to improve their education and prepare for their future.I can agree with much of what this book says, but one issue I have with it is that it seems to think that the underclasses rightfully deserve a shot at the most elite universities in the land. Is this really necessary or practical? Do the economically disadvantaged need to make that great of a leap? When I enrolled in college, I didn’t expect to gain admission to Yale or Princeton. I came from extremely modest means, and I was content to get accepted to a school that didn’t rank in the top tier of all universities. I was perfectly fine with this- I didn’t expect to make the jump all the way to the top. And guess what? I still improved my financial condition and moved up the economic ladder. I didn’t vault all the way to the top, but I did improve my social and economic class standing. It’s also not practical to think that everyone can gain acceptance to an Ivy league university. There is only so much space for new students.Going to college and earning a university degree does make a difference and the data back this up. The barriers to university admission are especially difficult to the economically disadvantaged and this book spells out several of the problems with higher education, for all to see. Some of the conclusions are debatable, but there is no doubt that life is easiest and prestigious education is most attainable for those who are wealthy. This book gets you thinking about these inequalities and it’s a very good read for those who want to know more about college admissions and the difficulties faced by those in the lower economic classes.