Vargas, Joel H. 2004. <em>College Knowledge: Addressing Information Barriers to College.</em> The Education Resources Institute. Accessed on July 27, 2007, from http://www.teri.org/pdf/research-studies/CollegeKnowledge.pdf.<br />
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	Vargas summarizes the existing literature on the barriers that low-income, minority, and first-generation students face in attending college. Defining "college knowledge" as the information that is necessary for students to apply to and attend college, Vargas claims that college-preparatory information and guidance are major components of successfully pursuing a college education. He also argues that there is a positive correlation between students' access to high school counselors and their enrollment in college-preparatory classes. Low-income, minority, and first-generation students and their families lack basic knowledge about college and have the greatest need for intensive guidance in educational and career goals. They are more likely to have trouble connecting their future career goals and educational decisions, for example failing to take courses required for college enrollment. These students are also more likely to have the greatest anxiety about college tuition and the financial aid process. Vargas also discusses the shift toward technological innovation, which may further exclude low-income and minority groups who do not have access to computers and the internet at home. Finally, the author presents research on the existence of community-based college access programs that serve college-aspiring and qualified students from underrepresented college backgrounds. Vargas concludes that these programs are effective interventions to address the inequalities in college knowledge by providing college awareness, high-speed internet access, and help in locating financial aid for students who need these tools the most.