is there a mismatch between the understanding of mathematics concepts students acquire in high school vs. understanding required at the college level?

From the Professor:

We already know that standardized tests are not good predictors of students’ success in college – your study would not bring anything new to the knowledge. Your dissertation has to fill the gaps found in research – you have to read research to find the gaps and generate questions. When we talked about math misalignment, we talked about what secondary mathematics teachers believe students need to know to be prepared for college vs. what college level mathematics faculty want students to know – is there a mismatch between the understanding of mathematics concepts students acquire in high school vs. understanding required at the college level? Is this even more concerning for the underserved population of students? Many believe that the students from the underserved populations do not have access to college because they do not have the opportunity to take AP high school mathematics classes.  But, do AP high school mathematics classes prepare students well for college courses? These are just some things I am interested in. You have to try to find the questions you are interested in that relate to access and equity issues.