An Atlanta Journal Constitution poll analysis based on college readiness has found that Georgia's rural students are more likely to need remedial help in college and are more likely to score lower on the SAT, a predictor of college success.

 Money and location play a role in the  disparities between Georgia school, the survey shows.

Specifically the survey shows that: 

–About 5 percent of students took placement exams in extremely rural areas compared to more than 20 percent in large suburban districts.

–Rural districts spend about $400 less than others per student. Spending doesn't guarantee success, but rural superintendents say they can't afford educational extras that are standard in suburban schools.

–Teachers don't have the same opportunity for training and development. Those in smaller, poorer districts often face more demands and professional isolation, a barrier to improvement. 

College readiness is gaining new attention in part because of new policies making it harder for students to play catch-up after high school.  Starting this past fall, students who need too much remedial help in reading, writing or math, are not allowed to attend schools in the University System of Georgia. Students who need extensive remedial help are less likely to earn a degree.

Before the change, the state spent $55 million a year on remedial education.

Georgia has the nation's third larges rural enrollment and it's among the poorest performing, according to the Rural School and Community Trust, a Washington non-profit.  While a few rural districts perform well, the study found overall Georgia's rural students are among the lowest scorers on national exams and their graduation rate is the nation's second lowest, behind Louisiana.

The problem has statewide implications. Projections show about 60 percent of jobs by 2020 will require some education beyond high school. Now 42 percent of Georgia's adults have some type of degree or certificate.