In the middle of sophomore year, I transferred to a really good public school where the top 10% all have 4.9 weighted GPA. Before that I went to a school that limited honors and AP classes, but I was on the highest track. When I transferred, those classes did too, so my weighted GPA is low compared to those at my new school.
Does class rank matter a lot? Will colleges see that I transferred and that’s why my weighted gpa is low? My unweighted is a 4.0, and I’m taking 6 APs right now.
My dream is to go to Yale. Will they look at my old school’s curriculum?
The weighting that class rank receives is different for each college. You can look up the Common Data Set for each to see what weight it gets. You will have to rely on your GC to address the difference in availability for weighted classes at your two schools.
Your GC can address the fact that your old school didn’t offer as many honors and AP classes when he/she provides the profile and analysis of the academic rigor of your transcripts (which is a standard part of the common application). When the time comes to apply, make sure you set up an appointment to explain your concern. Assuming you have top grades at the new school and good test scores, it shouldn’t make a difference especially if the GC’s explanation is included. Of course, if you aren’t confident that the GC will advocate for you, then there is space on the common application to explain that you transferred from a high school that did not offer the academic opportunities that you current school does.
Keep in mind that Yale is really a dream and 90% of the applicants - most of whom are qualified academically - won’t get in. Make sure you find match and safety schools you are happy with.