<p>I’m thinking that every one of those in the top 15 % of your class (plus some ranked below you with stellar sports or other EC’s credentials) will be flooding the Ivies and the top LACs (which on your list includes Amherst, Bowdoin, Pomona, Williams with Claremont McKenna right up there) with apps – significantly reducing your chances at these schools. That’s the downside of going to a top high school.</p>
<p>The upside is that you become a very strong candidate for the next tier of very strong schools. Bowdoin is very tough ( I have to disagree strongly with OHKID’s assessment), but what about Bates or Colby? What about other strong midwestern LACs, like Oberlin or Kenyon? Davidson has become a tough admit, but you may add some geographic diversity to their applicant pool. </p>
<p>In sum, I’d research some of these options – to include getting a better feel for what you’re looking for. Even leaving out the UC’s, you have a very broad range of schools. Brown and Reed are VERY different from Dartmouth and BC, for example, and you should sort that out as best you can.</p>
<p>Finally, I would disagree that Reed is a harder admit for you than the Ivies on your list! Your stats match up very well to Reed, better than they do to Dartmouth or Brown.</p>