Educational disparities have been a part of the American education system for years. We love to boast about the equality of American education, but this is a falsity that in a lot of ways is ignored. Although public school is free to all, there are so many aspects that go into making an equitable system—aspects that have turned the educational system into a constant war between those who can afford to succeed and those who cannot, with students from a lower socioeconomic background persistently having to vie for fair and equal education.

A 2013 study discovered that 51% of students in American K-12 public schools were from a low-income background (measured by their ability to be enrolled in the free and reduced lunch program). A different study performed in 2016 found that only 20% of undergraduate students were from low-income backgrounds. Although these are two different studies from two different years, there is still something to be said about this discrepancy: A majority of American children come from low-income households, while a vast majority of college students do not. Coincidence? Unlikely.

Standardized testing such as the ACT and SAT play a large role in determining the acceptance of a student into a collegiate university. There are some schools that no longer require these tests, but there are far too few colleges on this bandwagon, leaving the majority of high school students still trying to receive top scores in order to make themselves competitive applicants. Striving for academic excellence is great; however, not every student—regardless of aptitude and ability—has the same access to resources.

A study found that the average student who partakes in test prep courses can expect a 25 to 32 point increase one the SAT, with a similar scaled increase on the ACT. However, this increase comes at a steep cost. The average cost for an SAT test prep course ranges between $800 and $1800. This prep course alone costs nearly the same amount as the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment. Based on the aforementioned 2013 study, a test prep bill is one that many families cannot afford to pay.

Fast-forward to 2020, the year that seems to exist solely to highlight the inequities in America. The COVID-19 pandemic came quickly and unexpectedly, leaving many unemployed and uncertain about tomorrow. Consequently, the pandemic caused the unemployment rate to reach a record high, with 14.7% of Americans being unemployed. People don’t know whether or not they’ll be able to afford groceries or rent, let alone be able to shell out $1800 for an SAT prep course for their children. Perhaps people could opt for a personal tutor instead of a full course, but that costs an average of $30 to $40 an hour, which is still far too expensive for many struggling families. The education gap between the rich and the poor has only grown wider, leaving parents and teachers concerned about the educational well-being of children and students.

In the middle of my public school education, I was categorized as a low-income student. Seeing the scores of my peers on standardized tests made me question my own capabilities: Was I incapable of success, or could I simply not afford it? It is a painful realization that many students across the nation are asking themselves the same question, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened the issue. It’s an unfair truth that students who cannot afford comparable education to their wealthier peers are subject to falling behind in their academics for reasons far beyond their control. Their educational potential may never fully be known, not because they are unable, but simply because they do not have the means. America was founded on being the land of opportunity, but the disparities that exist in this nation illustrate a society less than that.

Students can and have already committed themselves to helping parents and students during this tough time. Many Washington University students have dedicated themselves to tutoring, allowing parents the opportunity to be matched with a tutor based on financial needs. Several tutoring programs have sprung up and been revamped as a result of the pandemic, and if you have the ability to help out, you should. If you are fortunate enough to have the privilege of receiving a quality education, consider using that same privilege to prevent a student from falling through the cracks. America has enough education disparities; let’s not let the COVID-19 pandemic add any more.