Ranking in a class of 950 students

Applying to College
1

Lately my rank has been stressing me. Now I know that colleges don’t make class rankings a big deal in college applications but either way it’s still stressing me out. I’m ranked 51 out of about 950 students in my class and although I’m trying my best to raise my gpa to at least be in the 20 range, my school has this unfair policy concerning AP class grades. In my school, if a student were to pass an AP exam with a 3, then the grade in that class is changed from whatever it was before (even an F) to a 100% A making it completely unfair to all those who actually put in consistent effort throughout the year in their AP classes. I have gotten As in all my AP classes but what’s holding me back in rank is the few Bs I received in high school honors courses. The idea of people moving up in the rank ladder because of this policy is really getting to me.

Thoughts?

2

Of all things to stress about, this seems to be beyond not important. What are your concerns? Most schools put almost no emphasis on rank because most high schools have abandoned the practice of ranking because all the various ways to rank are flawed. But beyond that, you are in the top 5% (rounded) anyway. So you should stop worrying about rank.

3

51/950 is top 5.4%. Maybe you want to push to get to top 5.0%, but past the, your rank will likely not impact admissions decisions.

Your school profile should outline the grading policy. Whether or not it’s fair, the reality is that it is what is is, and you’re not going to change it, so don’t spend a lot of energy gnashing your teeth about it.