is it true that colleges compare your application to the other students at your high school in order to make a decision? I have my heart set on BU but don’t have the financial means to apply there early decision and show them how serious I am about the school. In the past four years there have only been 8 kids total from my high school that have applied there, and I really thought I was a great candidate until I heard that a lot of other kids (with slightly better stats) in my grade are applying. Will my admissions decision be determined by the other kids from my high school who are applying? Or will I not be compared to them at all?
(sorry if this is a stupid question. I’ve just been freaking out about the entire admissions process and this is just another worry to add to my list!)
In the ED acceptance package there will be something to return, or you can call, or probably even email them. At some schools (e.g., NYU) it’s very common to decline the offer; at others (e.g., Ivies) it’s more uncommon.
Actually, I’m not sure. I know that every admissions office expects a school profile when your guidance counselor mails your transcript. The profile includes all the school stats, so maybe they do kinda look at you in the context of what your school is capable of producing.
Rereading, I, for one, agree with aspire2011, and disagree with dd1993. Colleges do want to know where an applicant stands in relation to peers; it’s one of many applicable factors.