Initially, the Commission Report notes that students must be prepared for college in order to perform well and make something out of their higher education experience. "A high school degree should signify that a student is college and/or work ready. States must adopt high school curricula that prepare all students for participation in postsecondary education and should facilitate seamless integration between high school and college." To that end the Report advocates expansion of early enrollment and advanced placement courses. Critically, the report notes a knowledge gap in what students and parents need to do to prepare for attending college. "Many students and parents don't understand the steps needed to prepare for college and the system fails to address this information gap."

As potential solutions the report offers that businesses could "partner with schools and colleges to provide resources for early and ongoing college awareness activities, academic support, and college planning and financial aid application assistance." In those efforts it will be important to "develop students' and parents' knowledge of the economic and social benefits of college through better information, use of role models and extensive career exploration." Additionally the commission suggests that requirements be established to ensure high school "diplomas mean students are prepared to enter college and/or the workforce with the skills to succeed."