Importance of class rank/cum laude

My school does not do class rank, but the top 10% of kids are in the cum laude society. Unfortunately, in an ultra competitive school with about 100 kids a grade, this winds up being about ten people. I didn’t get admitted, but I have all A’s in mostly AP classes and have pretty good stats otherwise. How important is cum laude/class rank when colleges are admitting students?

Depends on what high school you are in and what the college desires.

I don’t think it is a big deal at all. Just let your achievements, interests, personality shine through on your application.

And (as I tell everyone) cast a wide net and apply to reach, match, and safety schools that appear affordable (run the net price calculators) and that you would be happy to attend.

Depends on the college. The most class rank focused colleges are Texas public universities.

I agree that it depends on the college, and you certainly don’t have to be in cum laude to get into a top school, but it does show to admissions officers that you aren’t in the top 10%. How rigorous is your schedule in the context of your high school?