<p>I think many of you misunderstood my point. I agree that it is harder to stand out" at an elite prep school. I also agree that many of the kids in the middle of the pack at these schools would be stars at their local high schools. I would add to that, that its possible to be a top student at some high schools and not be that great of a student. Or you could be a plugger or a grade grubber, and not be that bright.</p>
<p>I'm talking about those kids who do "stand out" at a very competitive elite prep school. Those kids who blew through the standard high school curriculum and are acing all of the college level classes offered at these elite institutions. The kids whose recs will stand out even in the group of 30 or so that go to HYP. The kids who are known as being "top of the class" even though there is no ranking.</p>
<p>Now take one of these kids and put them in your average public high school. They are perfectly capable of acing linear algebra, differential equations, and complex analysis like their prep school peers. However, the most advanced math class at their high school is AP Calculus AB. They are gifted in languages and would thrive in French Humanism, French Drama, or French Masterpieces of the 16th and 17th century, but the school drops its AP French class because only 2 kids signed up, and the guidance counselor suggests the student takes a study period instead. I think you get my drift.</p>
<p>This hypothetical student gets all As and is in the top 2% of their high school class, but how would they stack up against their academic peers back at the elite prep school?</p>