<p>As I went through my high school years, I always knew my high school would affect my chances of matriculating at a top institution. Our sports teams were mediocre, we had few clubs, few honors courses, and NO AP classes. The quality of teaching is way below average and the counseling is even worse. I don't blame the administration, they have had no experience in counseling students who wish to matriculate at a top institution. </p>
<p>Let me put things in perspective for you, the average SAT score at my school is ~1000/1600. Less than 25% of the students go on to 4 year institutions. In the history of my school, we have had no Ivy leaguers and three that have made it to a top institution (UMICH, UWSTL). I fortunately made it into UMich but not without going way above and beyond the average student's load compared to a prep or private school. I had almost 12 classes (7 traditional, 5 online, 3 which were APs) just to make sure I'd be a bit competitive for admission to the top colleges. I took well over 35 credits at my local community college and almost skipped my senior year, just to get ahead. </p>
<p>My Junior year I first learned of CC and thank God I did. I had no idea where to apply and no one that could help me. I had read many of the standard admissions literature and felt I had a decent understanding. My counselors just looked at me funny when I would ask about UPenn, Cornell and UMich. So I came to CC and from there molded my application and supporting documents. I had almost hired a private counselor 2 hours away and was very close to forking over 30K to attend a top private school in my state (Even though it meant moving). In actuality, I believe to be very lucky to say I was deferred from Penn ED and am now accepting a spot at UMich this fall. </p>
<p>I write this to let all the rising students at a small, underperforming public school know that it's possible; hard, but possible, to get into a top school. In my opinion, a private school would have been easier overall due to availablity of classes and general knowledge of administration. </p>
<p>I thank my success to myself and CC, and in no way thank my school.</p>