<p>Looking at the people here that wish to apply to the ivies and other highly selective schools, I've noticed a few interesting trends. Firstly, they have 8+ APs, minimum, some even taking 4-5 APs every year. Secondly, their after-school activities are very widespread, such as playing in bands, various essay-writing competitions, science and math teams, debate teams, etc. I've seen a number of people that epitomize both trends simultaneously. Now, the problem is that I come from a small school that cannot offer huge amounts of APs (and requires students to take the regents course before the AP course, for some reason) so I cannot compete in terms of course rigor. Again, because my school is small, it also offers very few after-school activities. We lack a band, a math team, science teams, etc that most other schools have. Now, the question is, can a person that comes from my small school possibly have the same chance of entering an ivy league as does a person from the typical big school? Will colleges factor in the fact that opportunities were unequal?</p>
<p>bump 10char</p>
<p>Yes, colleges will take all of that into consideration. You need to take the MOST rigorous schedule that YOUR school offers. However, on the EC’s - you need to find something very good that you can dedicate your time to, even if it is outside of your school.</p>
<p>Yes you are at a disadvantage. However, it would make sense that you live in a smaller state. Under-represented states get a boost in admissions, which kind of makes up for it.</p>
<p>At the same time, certain competitions are less competitive due to the smaller competition pool in small states. Ex) Wisconsin All-State orchestra is a lot easier to get in than New Jersey All state orchestra. Indiana all state science fair is easier to win than Deleware valley. Maybe not you, but other kids have this benefit.</p>
<p>bump 10char</p>