<p>is it possible to get into a top-tier school with an average rank? i didn't do too hot my freshman and sophomore years due to a med. condition, and my rank is like 21/115. btw, i go to a somewhat competitive school in a somewhat bad neighborhood. anyways, would other parts of my application be able to counter this? i've heard that at top schools, that 70 - 80 percent of their students are in the 10% percent of their class. will this hurt me?</p>
<p>bump... ya the question may seem a bit dumb, but could someone please give a response?</p>
<p>Hope not...my D is in exactly the same situation.</p>
<p>See, the thing about rank is that it really does matter at the top tier schools. They need to protect their reputation and according to the caliber of the HS even, they will regard your rank in that respect...My rank isn't great either, but I was relieved that i did rank in the top 10% b/c the top schools almost infer that they expect it. Again, it is a crapshoot</p>
<p>so we have the opposite problem, D's rank is quite high with rigorous honors and ap classes, 22/570 w. But SAT's are not stellar. what is the consensus there?</p>
<p>If you are unique, they will accept you regardless of your rank (as long as you're not something stupid like bottom 10%), but if your mediocre and sadly go to some screwed up ranked-school, then it just sucks : (</p>
<p>(im in the same position, so im trying to develop a hook to make up for it)</p>
<p>I have the same problem with my rank. At my relatively small school (200 students) which is all guys, the class is very competitive. I'm in the top 30 students for sure, but maybe not the top 20. Granted, my school doesn't rank, but some schools ask for a decile approximation. I think my counselor(who loves me) would give me the benefit of the doubt and "approximate" that I am in the top 10%. If not, though, I could see this holding me back to some degree.</p>