<p>High schools vary dramatically - in competitiveness, in harshness, in ranking systems. At one school, 5-10% of the graduating class may have a 4.0 UW, while at another, the val's "burdened" by a few B's, maybe a C, and a 3.8. </p>
<p>How do colleges take this dilemma into account? Hypothetically, with all other factors removed, who would be admitted: the 1/200 3.8er (with obvious grade deflation), or the 10/200 with a 4.0 (and, apparently, the opposite effect)?</p>
<p>They look at how the student ranked in his/her own HS. Many colleges practice holistic admission so they can take grades, rank, rigor, scores, everything into account to balance the field as much as possible.</p>
<p>Our counselor said that each college and their admission reps are pretty familiar with most of the high schools they typically draw from. There is a high school profile statement that goes along with the application that lists the rigor of courses offered, etc. Also, I believe if there was a question, they would communicate with the high school.</p>