<p>I am graduating in what is known as the strongest class to ever graduate from my school (as far as numbers are concerned). Right now I have a 96.2% GPA (out of 100) and I am ranked 15th. Just for kicks, my GC checked what my rank would be in last years class (a pretty average class...). I was salutatorian (2nd).
So the point to this thread is whether being salutatorian in a relatively uncompetitive class is better than being 15th in THE best class to ever graduate from a relatively strong public school.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, no. College admissions officers have no way of comparing last years class at your school to this years. However, if all of your other numbers are strong it shouldn't make that much difference. You are still in the top 10% of your class.</p>
<p>The colleges will know that you had one of the strongest classes because your guidance counselors will be explaining this to the regional reps that come to your school.</p>
<p>The valedictorian of my class was rejected from UCLA. I was ranked 9th and got into Ivies. I apologize for sounding braggy =/ but I want to make the point that, for real, being valedictorian or something similar isn't everything.</p>
<p>This is so true Celestial. I know of students who seem to think that to get into HYP they have to be number one is their class and have perfect SAT scores. The high schools that rank have added to this frenzy. The reality is that yes, some students who are number one and have perfect SAT scores will get in, but usually these are applicants who are hooked in the intellectual category, ie. having published scientific research, won Intell ect. Those who get in with nothing other than great SAT scores and being number one tend to be added regular decision to balance a geographic area, perhaps raise the average sAT scores to balance lower scoring legacies, athletes, ect.
The type of applicant however that the top ivy league is really looking for are students who have taken the most rigorous curriculum and performed extremely well, and have scored high on the SAT ect (by no means do either of those have to be perfect or near perfect) HOWEVER, they are looking for applicants who stand out from those who just have high grades and SAT scores. Those schools are looking for applicants who have unusual talents, accomplishments, interests, passions, extensive leadership, community service ect that span years. A student who is number one in their class and has a 1550 SAT (math/critical reading) who has been invovled in school activities, done some community service, on two varity teams, editor of the year book ect, looks ordinary amongst applicants who have done the same things. An applicant however who is number 14 in their class with a 1450 SAT who has been performing as a soloist at carnegie hall for the past several years, and has also developed a program to mentor inner city students and has been involved with that program for several years, and is a writer of short stories who has published his works and has won various awards for it. To admission officers I believe a candidate with things like that would be much more interesting.</p>