<p>I would think that colleges would look more favorably upon Student A (the competitive high school one). I agree with Roger_Dooley that the SAT score of Student B is more impressive given his/her surroundings, but being ranked number one at a very competitive school would be much more of an accomplishment than holding the top spot at a school with no competition. Which is more impressive: The student who is ranked above his classmates who will end up at top 20 schools or the student who is ranked above students who will end up at the local university? </p>
<p>Of course, with a 2350 and number one ranking neither of these students will be hurting for acceptances and the differences between being accepted or denied will almost undoubtedly be the effect of essays, recommendations, and ECs.</p>
<p>Ceteris paribus, though, I think student A has the edge considering both SAT and rank.</p>