Bias against high school based on previous class' acceptance vs. enrollment

Applying to College
1

<p>Hey everyone,</p>

<p>Last year, 14 people from my high school got into Princeton, and only 2 attended (others to HYS, etc). Some people have mentioned the negative impact of this acceptance/enrollment ratio on this year's acceptance from our school specifically. Just wondering if anyone could provide either their opinion, or any evidence that Pton (or any college for that matter) would/wouldn't get butthurt about so few of their acceptees from my school actually attending their school.</p>

<p>I know I can't change anything about this, but I'm just curious :)</p>

2

<p>I dont think this would be the case. Why would a school hold something against you that is out of your hands?</p>

3

<p>*I know I can’t change anything about this, but I’m just curious *</p>

<p>You can change it - by applying ED to Princeton.</p>

<p>Of course, that only makes sense if your heart is truly set on Princeton, plus all the other standard warnings regarding ED and finances, etc.</p>

4

<p>@MisterK
Yup, it’s my dream school and number once choice, so I decided a long time ago to apply early there. Also, it’s SCEA.</p>

5

<p>Good; that will show your commitment.</p>

6

<p>

Because its how a college can send a message to the counselors at a HS that if they want the college to accept the top students from that HS, the counselors need to do their part in making sure the college gets its “fair share” of those students. I have also heard this happens when an applicant from a previous year backs out of a ED decision without jstification. Sometimes, you know, its not about you; and if you think the world is “fair” then you may be in for some unpleasant surprises.</p>

<p>The HS and college are in a dance that started before you were born and will continue for years to come. Very selective colleges care about their yield, they also care about getting top students enrolled. And if it takes blackballing a HS for a year (or couple of years) to send a message, that’s what they very well may do. Its a message that will be understood by the counselors at the affected HS, and also at other HS’s where they know people.</p>

<p>A related issue where admissions aren’t “fair” is Tufts syndrome; a college that figures you have a good chance of getting into a better college may preemptively deny admission. Tufts, BTW, denies they do this (at least any more).</p>