<p>Hello! Sorry if a similar thread has been posted before. I might have the opportunity to apply to an outstanding magnet school next year. The only problem is that the school is ridiculously competitive and there would be a much lower chance of being top of the class there than it would be at my home campus. How much would that affect my chances of acceptance to top universities? Would most colleges take into consideration the fact that a person went to a competitive high school? The magnet school is phenomenal and I would love to go there, but I don't want to be at a disadvantage come college application time because I chose a competitive high school.</p>
<p>Colleges want outstanding students who will do well even in a competitive environment. Just try your best, and definitely be top 10%. :)</p>
<p>Go to the Regular School. Let me repeat… do not go to the magnet school! It’s not about what high school you go to… it’s about what you do once you’re there. If your public high school is of good quality (generally good teachers, plethora of AP courses, good deal of extracurriculars) I see no reason why you would want to subject yourself to the hell that is Magnet School. </p>
<p>The public high school in my district is one of the best in the state. My friend (who graduated last year) was rejected from the local magnet school while my other friend’s sister wasn’t. My friend’s sister (who went to the magnet school) ended up going to a state (out of state, but state nonetheless) school while my friend ended up at Yale. Why? Because my friend’s sister spent so much of her time studying to be competitive in her grade that she neglected her extracurriculars. My Yalie friend put in 1/2 the effort, was salutatorian, and had ample amounts of time to find his true passion. With all his extra free time, my friend the Yalie was able to really explore his passion in-depth, which made him stand out from everyone else applying to Yale. Thus, he was accepted. </p>
<p>You may do well at your magnet school. Hell, you might even be valedictorian. However, is it worth the endless nights of sleep when you could be doing something more worth your time? </p>
<p>Unless there are specific reasons why your public school isn’t any good, don’t go to the magnet school.</p>
<p>Having gone to a magnet school for HS, I would say you should do what you want and not worry so much about college admissions. The worst parts about it are all the work, and the competition, and the lack of sleep… but if it’s a great school, and you really want to go there, I don’t think you should let a desire to go to a top college hold you back. You probably will have to work harder, but you’ll be getting a great education.</p>
<p>Don’t go, no point stressing.</p>