<p>So I currently attend a very competitive high school in New Jersey that sends approximately 15% of its graduating class to Ivy League/Ivy-Caliber schools. Unfortunately for me, this means that the coursework is a lot harder than it would be at other high schools, which has led to a few B's on my transcript.</p>
<p>Will colleges understand the academic rigor of my high school, and take it into consideration? Otherwise, wouldn't it be better for me to attend some random high school in the middle of nowhere and get a 4.0 there, instead of attending my current school and getting a 3.8?</p>
<p>Let me be blunt: your consideration of chasing after a 4.0 at some mediocre school versus trying your best at your academically challenging school betrays a mentality that will shipwreck you should you apply to these “ivy-caliber” schools. Basically, you’ve announced to the whole world that your goal is to “appear” scholarly rather than “BE” scholarly.</p>
<p>May I advise you alter your mindset? Posers aren’t wanted at those schools. People who are fearless academically are what excite their admissions officers.</p>
<p>Hah! We once joked about “moving” to a less competitive part of our state to help our kids dodge the rumoured quota at the in-state flagship schools for our overachieving region. </p>
<p>With your school sending 15% to Ivy/peers, college admission officers are likely very familiar with your school’s academic rigor. Many high school gudiance offices and school systems have historical data on GPA, SAT/ACT, and other info and admission decisions to many colleges. That information and a chat with the more clueful folks in your guidance office may give you a better idea of how you stand.</p>