After years of relative quiet, America's educational system is coming under renewed pressure over issues of fairness, access, and privilege. As competition intensifies over entry to college, it becomes harder to believe the system's rhetoric of merit and equity. Some students and their families are litigating over AP courses, high school funding, and affirmative action. Others turn to tutors or prep courses, or seek exam dispensations for learning disabilities. Every group feels victimized by the status quo, maintaining that others are gaining unfair advantage.