Over the span of their careers, the authors have served in numerous capacities, from school board member to superintendent, from teacher to principal, from professor to state commissioner of education. Along the way, they have participated in a multitude of commissions, panels and committees, all concerned with reforming and improving schools at the local, state and national levels. After reflecting on these experiences, they are convinced that preparing more students to succeed in college is critical to perpetuating the American dream in the 21st century and vital to the nation's future. In this article, the authors have distilled what they have known into a set of 10 actions to raise the readiness of graduates for postsecondary pursuits. (Contains 7 online resources.)