<p>Well I go to a private school with about 30 people per class. The classes are all much harder than public school classes( I assume, people have transferred in with 4+ GPAs from taking AP classes and getting all As, and end up getting Cs at our school)
I have a GPA of about 3.76 of 4(no AP/honors classes offered) and an ACT of 34, but the problem is, my 3.76 is like rank 12 in my class, which isn't even the top third. I attribute this mostly to the stupid people in my class who spend 8 hours an night on homework so they can end up getting the grades. But anyway, how understanding will colleges of me not being in the top third, or 20%, or 10% or whatever as a result of having such a small class. Will they just see me as someone who practiced a lot at the ACT, but is really lazy at school work, or what? What are my chances of getting into a good college, considering my ACT and I have quite a bit of ECs. I also have taken a few freshmen level college classes at the university my school is on and gotten A's on them.</p>
<p>probably they know some info about your schoool. also, from the small size, its obvious that rank must be looked at a little differently..
do you know how your school usually places? this is probably a good indication. for example, in my local public school you generally have to be at least top 5% to get into ivies, but we always get people in the top 15% of our class in 'cause schools know that our school is small and challenging.. its quite possible this is true for your school also, from what you said. you might want to talk to your college admissions officer, though, theyll know best! but it sounds like you have a lot going for you, im sure you'll do fine :)</p>
<p>If your school sends 10 to 15 students to IVYs and similar selectives every year, you can relax. If only 1 or 2 end up in top Univs, you better have good safeties.</p>