Rethinking Rigor: High School Coursework and the Path to Postsecondary Success

This study investigates whether rigorous coursework benefits all students or mainly those with strong preparation and motivation. Using nationally representative HSLS:09 data, we find that coursework intensity is associated with greater college enrollment, selective college attendance, and STEM major selection. These gains extend to students with lower academic performance, lower motivation, and disabilities. Low-SES students experience larger college attendance gains, while high-SES students benefit more in selective admissions and STEM fields. Gender differences show higher selective college enrollment for females and greater STEM participation for males. Racial disparities persist, but coursework intensity is positively linked to postsecondary success across groups.