<p>Please help a CC newbie. Does a HS' relative reputation matter in the admissions process? Is "B student" at a large suburban HS considered by Admissions Office to same caliber as "B student" from a selective enrollment college prep private HS? In DS' situation, CPHS has a significantly stronger curriculum; "honors" courses at public HS are equivalent of "regular" courses at CPHS.</p>
<p>We're located in Midwest, and will be looking only at Midwest schools, likely small LACs and perhaps engineering schools. Large state schools are unlikely fit for DS. He's an earnest student well-liked by teachers, likely to have good scores. Likely math/classics (B+/A- subjects) major/minor, with strong recognized studio art talent. How "reach" should we think for LACs?</p>
<p>It’s likely from your brief description of the two schools, that they are known to the selective colleges to which your son is planning to apply. He’ll then be compared to like students in his school – in terms of course rigor and grades. Grades vary widely from school to school – with substantial inflation is some schools, and wide variations in how grades are weighed. Colleges know that.</p>
<p>Often selective academic private high schools grade conservatively, and the course offerings are indeed more (and sometimes much more) rigorous than equivalent courses at non-magnet high schools. It’s unusual to see “4.0” unweighed averages at many of these private high schools. Perhaps yours is one of them. Selective colleges know all of this, and take it into account when they consider applicants. I expect that the GC at your school has already told you all this. It’s true.</p>
<p>And yes, from your brief description of your son, reach high.</p>
<p>It’s complex, highly selective high schools can both help and hurt. At my children’s private school, which sends over 30% to ivies plus (plus being MIT and Stanford) and another equal number to top LACs, it’s a disadvantage at ivies, largely because so many apply and because there are so many legacies. Yet top LACs often accept a dozen from the class of 125. </p>
<p>I think it mostly comes down to who else from his school applies. The colleges certainly recognize the superior preparation.</p>
<p>Each school also sends along a profile with each student’s application. Included in the profile are stats such as how the gpa is determined (for example, a 3.5 = A-), how many APs or Honors classes are available, etc. So even if the admissions office is not familiar with a particular high school, the profile would help show how rigorous a student’s course load is compared to not only other students in the school but to what is available at the school.</p>
<p>My daughter has many “reach” schools on her list. She is a good student and I believe would do well at any of them. However, they are highly selective. I encourage her to apply to any school that she really likes and is a good fit for her academically and socially. Most of the highly selective LAC schools are looking for students with more than just good grades and test scores, so you really can’t predict acceptance. My daughter will also apply to other less selective schools that she would be happy to be at. Reach for the stars, but cover your bases!</p>