Does anyone know how class size will affect admission to T20s? I go to a really small private school and my class size is about 20 (can’t remember the exact number right now). I’m worried Ivies and such will sell my app short.
Schools do a great job evaluating applications in the context of the school. I wouldn’t have a significant amount of concern over that.
I would like to add that many, many schools are outstanding, just as outstanding as T20s. You will find students every bit as strong and faculty and staff every bit as amazing at lots of schools. I’d advise you look for some of those that are also a great fit for you. Here’s why:
We visited an absolutely tip-top LAC a few years ago. They said 70% of applicants were fully qualified, and the school was confident they would succeed academically and otherwise. At the time, it accepted 14% of applicants. So 4 in 5 fully qualified applicants were denied admission. Harvard and Standard now accept under 5%, and some other T20s are close to that. Assuming that 70% number holds for them, and it probably does, then more than 13 in 14 fully qualified applicants are denied admission. Many of those accepted have hooks. I like to point out that a half dozen local kids (for me, East Coast) have gotten into Stanford in the last few years. Everyone was a recruited athlete. We know a good (not perfect) student who just got into a very competitive T20. One of their parents had/does have a prominent job at the school. So admission is a challenge, regardless of one’s school.
Again, though, the news is overwhelming positive. Many schools are just as beautiful and offer just as fine of an education with acceptance rates north of 20%, 30%, 40%, etc. Apply to the T20s. I hope you’re accepted, and maybe you will be. Just know acceptance is an extreme challenge for young people who are “merely” hard working, bright, and talented. But, in any case, you can find a great place that’s great for you. Truly, good luck!
Thank you for the advice, I’ll take it to heart. Also, I am a hooked applicant (URM) and my sister went to Columbia but I don’t know if that counts for anything.
That’s great! And I think it probably beneficial to you to have seen how it all plays out. Did she go to the same high school? If so, it definitely shows the school is no barrier. If not, I don’t think it says anything either way.
No she went to a different school. I just hope my school won’t hinder me in any way.