Does going to a competitive Highschool hurt or help admission chances?

Applying to College
1

I’m a junior, and I moved into a new town and a new school system before freshman year. At my middle school, I was at the high end of my class. At this new school I’m still pretty solid, but some of my friends are going to the local university for math and language courses, I know kids who take orgo junior Year and multi sophomore year. I love the school, and will my grades aren’t the best because of a more difficult course load (3.6 unweighted), I’m wondering if being overshadowed by so many academic freaks hurts when applying.

2

Well, where you fall in terms of your class rank can play a role in the admissions process. I can’t say for sure whether being at a competitive high school helps or hurts you- it may help because there COULD be grade deflation, because classes are much harder than at other high schools, but if you are much lower in the class rankings compared to your classmates or you aren’t taking the most rigorous courseload available, it might hurt you.

3

Feeder schools do exist. Ask your GC where students from your HS matriculate.

4

IMO those things balance out. Do your best where you are and don’t stress about things you can’t change.

5

From personal experience, I’d say that it helps if you are motivated and willing to adapt to your surroundings. There will be plenty of people to challenge you and push you to be a better student…but only if you’re willing to take the challenge.

At competitive high schools, the “tiers” of schools may be shifted up. A more competitive state flagship might be the bottom tier, with many students getting scholarships to there or going to honors program (instead of community college or a 75% acceptance rate + schools), but there wouldn’t necessarily be half the student population going to Harvard or anything. It depends on your school and the students. A lower GPA at a tougher school will be justified by your school profile if the GPA is still above average or close to the top (for top schools)…however, just because your school is #1 in the state or something doesn’t mean you are guaranteed for any college.