Why does Ponyboy have a better chance at making out of the neighborhood than the rest of the boys?

Ponyboy's age is the main attribute that makes him the
best candidate to escape his rough neighborhood.  Due to his youth and lack of grown-up
responsibilities, he still has the ability to focus on school and to get into a college,
whereas is brother Darry, though equal to him in intelligence, must bear the burden of
raising his younger brothers.  The rest of the Greasers lack the motivation and desire
to leave.  They are content with their place in society, are happy being Greasers, and
truly are a fit in the neighborhood.  Ponyboy and Darry, however, have visions of doing
something better with their lives.  That is why they both take school seriously and
compete in school sports.  They also have the qualities to fit in with the Socs.  This
is evidenced by the fact they both have made friends with Socs in the past, while most
of the other Greasers wouldn't look at a Soc unless it was to start a fight with him. 
Unfortunately for Darry, he is stuck working a blue collar job all day to help Ponyboy
keep his dream alive.