<p>Hello,
I'm a student at a public school. My question is, is there any chance of getting into Harvard if you go to a decent public school? I've heard it's near impossible, but I don't believe it. I'm very new to the whole college buzz and just want to start with the basics (eg what I'm asking here.)
Thank you,
Haley</p>
<p>There’s no significant advantage coming from a public/private school, as far as I know. The admissions process is so subjective that it’s a reach school for everybody. Everybody.</p>
<p>Most people there come from a public school, IIRC.</p>
<p>The most important thing is taking advantage of the opportunities your school offers. You will be judged on THAT rather than the quality of your public school.</p>
<p>^
I would say there’s an advantage if you come from Exeter, Andover, Harvard-Westlake, etc.</p>
<p>Then again, those schools are so rigorous that the advantage is well-deserved.</p>
<p>Plenty of people get in from public schools.</p>
<p>I’ve read that given the choice between two equally qualified candidates, one from a selective private school and the other from a less than stellar public, Ivies will choose the latter. Don’t know if that is true…Also, top colleges are looking more favorably- or attempting to- on the kids who work at the local supermarket in the summer versus those who “build latrines” in Africa or help orphans in Costa Rica etc. Part of economic diversity, which you hear a lot about on campuses.</p>
<p>Our average large metro public seems to send about 1-2 to Harvard each year. (Other Ivies too)</p>
<p>Your chances are low enough regardless of what school you’re from.</p>