<p>How will my chances at a top 25 school be lowered because of the school I attend? I attend a high school which is under-performing and has a high drop out rate. After seeing everyone here going to prep schools, I'm screwed right. tell me the truth please</p>
<p>I can't answer definitively, but I think the fact that you didn't drop out would matter. Did you take any standardized/external tests like SAT's and AP's or IB's? Perhaps this were put you "on the level ground" with other high school kids, or show that despite attending an under-performing school, you still perservered against its atmosphere...</p>
<p>hi</p>
<p>My understanding is that you are only held accountable to what was available to you. They want to see that you took the toughest workload at YOUR school.</p>
<p>The top schools are trying to recruit students that will add diversity. Perhaps coming from a low performing school means that you will add diversity? I am sure they receive a lot of applications from students that go to prep type schools so your application may stand out because your academic background is different yet you still excelled.</p>
<p>For some schools, UC for example, coming from an under performing school may give you additional "points."</p>
<p>Harvard actually called my S ...not sure if it is because we are ethnic (doubtful), we live in a poorer rural area (probably) or because the local public high school up until recently was considered under performing (maybe).</p>
<p>Just be sure to submit the best application that you can, highlighting your strengths and unique qualities that you will bring to that school.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>