Do colleges acknowledge/recognize the rigor of some private/prep schools over others?

<p>I go to a diocesan Catholic college prep school that is extremely rigorous compared to the public schools in my area. Also, it is well-known around here that the diocesan standards are much, much more rigorous than state standards.</p>

<p>Will colleges take this into account? Would this equate to adding a few tenths of a point to a public school GPA, or a few points to an SAT score? (just a shot in the dark).
For instance, if I have a 3.6 GPA from my prep school, and my doppleganger from the public school down the street has a 3.8 with all the same classes, am I still less appealing than he is?
Or am I just putting myself through all of this rigor for nothing...?</p>

<p>If the prep schools name is noted and recognized by the board of admission then they will certainly look at you in good light. For example if a student that previously attended your high school is doing well in a certain college and you apply to that college chances are that some one will take that into recognition.</p>

<p>There are huge variations in how high schools grade, weigh/or not weigh, include PE and Community Service or not, rank or not rank, etc. Colleges know that. They’ll look at your grades in the context of your school – in terms of the rigor of the courses you’ve taken compared to those offered, and in terms of how other students at your school have done.</p>

<p>I expect they know about your school, the rigor of the courses, and the talent of the students. Talk to your GC and I’m sure you’ll get additional perspective.</p>

<p>My daughter goes to a private school and I know the school sends a school profile with each college admission. The profile provides a lot of information about the school and its curriculum , including such things as AP courses available and how many students enroll in them.</p>

<p>I thought all schools did this, but maybe not. Check with yours.</p>

<p>They’ll probably acknowledge that private prep schools take serious $$$ for what you could be getting for free, so they’ll admit you because you won’t need any need-based aid.</p>

<p>^^Ummm…no. There is definitely fa available at prep and private schools. It doesn’t at all mean your family is wealthy because you attend such a school and colleges certainly realize that.</p>

<p>i love how everyone on this forum takes each detail of the college process way too damn seriously. seriously, stop worrying about things that are out of your control</p>

<p>Catholic schools don’t cost a lot and don’t point to wealth.</p>

<p>Schools do understand the difference in rigor. It doesn’t mean a top 20 school is going to take an unhooked student who is not ranked high, but at schools below the very top the break is bigger.</p>