But success in the two are connected, or should be, in a direct line from elementary-school reading and math, through junior high algebra, science and English, to senior high AP courses.
All along the way, school teachers, counselors, aides and administrators, along with parents, are needed to keep students on track toward college or technical school.
Unfortunately, far too many Utah minority students are not staying on track. Nearly half drop out before reaching the final years of public school and those who stick with it usually aren't prepared to enroll and do well in Advanced Placement college preparatory classes.
The results of this year's AP tests, as well as college-admission SAT and ACT scores, show that we've not yet changed that sad scenario. Instead of more non-white students being prepared for college and showing it by taking and scoring well in AP courses, fewer in Utah are taking the tests and fewer are passing.
For example, the number of Mexican Americans taking AP tests dropped more than 11 percent, and the number who passed was down 21.6 percent from last year.
AP courses are designed for students who have already taken and passed introductory history, math, science and English classes. If AP students pass a comprehensive test at the end of the course, they can receive credit at most colleges and universities in the United States.
But many minority students see AP classes as beyond their reach and a waste of time. They don't believe they can attend college because their parents did not attend and may have arrived in this country only recently. They have not been guided toward college by parents, teachers and counselors.
We need to turn that trend around with more programs like the University of Utah's College Advising Corps. Outreach is the key to helping minority students navigate the route to college and better-paying jobs. Undereducated young people too often become unemployed, draining welfare funds and straining law enforcement.
If the state is to fully realize its greatest economic resource - an educated work force - it must do more to prepare students for college.
