Rank: 1st versus 2nd

Applying to College
1

<p>I'm thinking about taking an online AP class this summer to raise my class rank from 2nd or 3rd to 1st. I'll be home doing an internship, so there will be time. I'm thinking about taking AP psych, which I'm actually interested in.</p>

<p>Anyway, my question is: How much does it matter if I'm 1st vs. 2nd in a class of 212? Will this make or break me for admissions to, say, Brown or one of those accelerated medical BA/MD programs?<br>
Basically, I'm wondering if it's worth it to take the class. </p>

<p>Any advice? Thanks in advance.</p>

2

<p>It doesn't. Stop stressing.</p>

3

<p>I'd say take it... it probably won't make more than 1-2% more competitive (how I get this number I don't know), but every little bit helps especially for those BA/MD programs that are uber competitive... and wouldn't it be nice to graduate at the top of your class in high school?</p>

4

<p>Personally, I don't think it's necessary, but if you have the time and effort, then go for it. It doesn't hurt to move a couple of spots up the ladder, does it? =)</p>

5

<p>2 is not a winner and 3 nobody remembers...</p>

6

<p>2 is not a winner and 3 nobody remembers...</p>

<p>Thats rubbish....
If u finish third, u get the bronze medal</p>

<p>sixsixty, goto to Torino 2006 and tell the bronze winner that nobody remembers him</p>

7

<p>It doesn't matter at all. As a matter of fact, it's probably better to be #2 considering most schools brag about how many valedictorians they reject... :rolleyes:</p>

8

<p>If you look at admission statistics, there is a considerable difference between a valedictorian and a salutatorian, at least at Penn that is; 46% vs. 35%</p>

<p><a href="http://www.admissionsug.upenn.edu/applying/profile.php%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.admissionsug.upenn.edu/applying/profile.php&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>However, you shouldn't stress over the rank. But like kchen posted, if you have the time and effort, by all means, go for it.</p>

9

<p>For all you know, the course could lower your GPA....so I wouldn't worry about it.</p>

10

<p>Yeah, but the considerable difference could VERY well be coincidence</p>