Dropout Factories

Each year about this time we explore the new words and phrases that were invented during the past year. This year, a new phrase cropped up--but it isn’t a very happy one. Journalists coined the term dropout factories to define schools where fewer than 60% of students graduate.

Students who attend dropout factories face an uphill battle when it comes to getting into college, especially since they are forced to compete with students at safer, more affluent schools.

Are you stuck at a dropout factory? If so, you may have to use a little ingenuity to even up the score. For example, you can improve your reading and writing skills by reading a really difficult book on the side. Find more tips for good students at bad schools and give yourself an equal shot at a great education. You're worth it!