<p>I just noticed the mid-year report place for this and think it plays a big role. I know its horrible, but this makes me happy because 12% of seniors dropped out of high school this past semester at my school....you can probably imagine the % planning to attend college....</p>
<p>100% of my class plans to attend a 4 year college ( or 3 because thats how long an undergraduate education lasts here in India)</p>
<p>Erm, higher is better than lower in this case. A higher % indicates that the school is more competitive, meaning it would be harder to obtain that rank/top10% or whatever.</p>
<p>I understand the above poster's point, but what if they look at low percentages as the student's potential to overcome educational adversity in his or her environment?</p>
<p>I think that's the key point here, drdomuch.</p>
<p>A student who is potentially Harvard-caliber that can overcome educational adversity is that much more attractive. Going to a school with an SAT score of 900 and with only half of the class planning to go to college and still managing to succeed, both in and outside of your school environment, speaks volumes. </p>
<p>This is not to knock those private-schoolers and kids who go to great public schools. But at certain institutions, failing to succeed is the exception, rather than the rule. At others, it is the other way around.</p>
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A student who is potentially Harvard-caliber that can overcome educational adversity is that much more attractive. Going to a school with an SAT score of 900 and with only half of the class planning to go to college and still managing to succeed, both in and outside of your school environment, speaks volumes.
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<p>Saxfreq1128, placing in the top 5% in a competitive private or public school is also admirable. The measures for excelling in both environment - competitive school vs crappy school - are different.</p>
<p>i don't think he was disagreeing with that inhaven.</p>
<p>As for my school, it's 77%, average SAT an 1100.</p>
<p>inhaven, he wasn't saying that wasn't admirable, just what was admirable</p>
<p>... notice the word also in bold. I was just adding to his list of what is considered admirable achievement and I know that he wasn't saying that. I was just trying to add another dimension to the thread and for the records, I am one of those who did well in a mediocre school. :)</p>
<p>I added a smiley to convey the tone.</p>
<p>I know--</p>
<p>Sometimes, though, I feel like people who come from disadvantage backgrounds need a cheerleader because, from their perspective, much of the time, it is hard to see how one can succeed and do great things.</p>
<p>On the other hand, the expectation to do great things when you go to a great private/public school can prove pretty daunting, I'm sure.</p>
<p>I know... In my mediocre school, those who have supportive parents and come from a middle-class background did fairly well while the ones who live in unfavorable conditions had little motivation to do well and no one to encourage them.</p>
<p>I nominate Mr. Saxfreq as the official disadvantaged cheerleader of the Harvard board. Anyone second?</p>
<p>hahahaha, shush up. </p>
<p>[Choose Harvard! Don't go to Duke!]</p>
<p>OR you could be a person who overcame personal adversity at home but still went to a wonderful school (my school has 100% go to college). That also helps. It is all in the essay!</p>
<p>Amen to that!</p>
<p>or you can have personal adversity at home and go to a crappy school</p>