Does going to a competitive schools increase chances?

My high school was ranked 50th in the country on USNEWS 2013 out of both public and private schools (it’s a public school). We send like 50+ kids to top 25 schools every year. This year I know 4 people who got into Stanford and that’s just who I know haha. So does this increase my chances of getting into top schools in anyway? Also, does this allow adcoms to be a little lenient with my 3.6 UW and 4.2 WGPA (I messed up badly freshman year).

Also we are currently ranked in the top 25 (won’t give number for confidentiality) schools in the nation on Newsweek and have a school size around 1,500 students.

You have a strong GPA, regardless. Your school’s reputation is a mixed bag: your course rigor will be respected, but the competition among top students is undoubtedly fierce.

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I think the school’s reputation will help at least a bit. Also, messing up freshman year is a lot better than messing up later. Showing that you made a commitment to taking school very seriously after that is important and can make a big difference.

@papertownpixie thanks! dope username btw