<p>At Jamimom's sons' prep schools, the top students are sure to get into selective colleges. At Cookiemom's public high school, they're not. At good prep schools, not only the top students but a little deeper into the class may get in. At Cookiemom's, there is no such assurance, no track record. Of course there are top public schools too-- feeder schools-- that regularly send their top however-many students to selective colleges. But for regular public school kids, it is difficult. I agree that outstanding kids may shine, but Cookiemom is right that they have some extra hurdles to get over to get into selective colleges, if that is where they want to go. </p>
<p>Chances are, a lot of these outstanding public-school kids weren't aiming for any particular colleges but sort of found themselves in the position of qualifying, very different from the children of cub-scout troup moms who are already guessing which elite schools their kids might get into. The selective colleges are familiar to the top prep schools and public feeder schools. They know the rigor, the grading standards. They know that these top private-school kids will be able to handle the work at college. And then there are college counselors to help with apps and last year's graduates already at the college to encourage and answer questions. And then, as Jamimom says, you also have legacy and development factors that may help.</p>
<p>Contrast the advanced course options available at top prep schools with those of Cookiemom's son. He maxed out the courses at his school, but the colleges have to somehow assess whether he can handle the work alongside his possible prep-school classmates. If the challenges aren't there, it is a bit difficult to know his capabilities. So yes, you can shine in in a regular public school, but it doesn't mean you'll get into a selective college. Doesn't mean you won't either, but chances are probably much better from an established feeder school or elite prep, even if a kid's not right at the top. </p>
<p>Of course bright and motivated kids do get in from all sorts of schools. Cookiemom's son shows that this can be done, but as she said, he is someone who takes initiative. I'm sure that was a key part of his success thus far, and it will continue to help him to do well. Congrats to him, Cookiemom. He deserves lots of delicious cookies, and some for you too for being supportive I'm sure.</p>
<p>SkepticalSenior, it sounds as if you did quite well for yourself at your school and enjoyed it very much. Congratulations on getting into your first-choice college!</p>