<p>So. Is being valedictorian all it's really chalked up to be? Do schools really love seeing that on an application? Does it make a huge difference if you're ranked first as opposed to second or even third in your class? (Do top/ivy schools care?)</p>
<p>I'm 2/600 in my class. Would it be worth it to strive to be number one? I think it's possible. But is it worth it? Could this make or break an admissions decision? </p>
<p>Any thoughts would be appreciated!</p>
<p>It's an added plus, but not really that much of a big deal for Ivy League/etc. schools. </p>
<p>These days a large percentage of applicants are valedictorians or salutatorians (like you right now, it seems) so this doesn't really distinguish you very much, and is certainly not going to make or break your application. By any means. </p>
<p>Being number 1 can be nice, but is definitely not necessary, and will not play a large role in the admissions process. Don't kill yourself over something that won't make or break you. </p>
<p>Good Luck! :)</p>
<p>Thanks! That's good to know.</p>
<p>the difference between number two in a class of 600 and number 1 is very negligible, you're fine. good luck!</p>
<p>Don't stress over it, you're in great shape no matter what :)
Best of luck!</p>
<p>It's a big plus. 40% of Dartmouth's enrolled class last year were either val or sal. It's probably a higher percentage at HYPS.</p>
<p>I disagree that it’s a big plus. I doub that any admissions officer makes a conscious and significant distinction between 1/500 and 2/500. </p>
<p>Though, there is probably a slight difference psychologically to the admissions officer.</p>
<p>I mean lets be honest 2/600? You are in the top .003 percent of your class. Don’t worry yourself about being 1 you’ve already done enough by beating out 598 other kids.</p>
<p>i think you knew the answer(s) to this question before you posted it.</p>
<p>it depends. how competitive is the high school? how many valedictorians are there?</p>
<p>The fact is, all college admissions decisions will be made BEFORE the Valedictorian status is finally decided. Your ranking at the end of Junior year is the one that is used in college admissions decisions, so the actual title “Valedictorian” is not significant in admissions.</p>
<p>I read an article saying that Princeton rejects 4/5 of all the Vals that apply. Dont worry yourself too much.</p>
<p>^lol princeton rejects 9/10 of the entire applicant pool</p>
<p>Um, definitely try to become Valedictorian if you can. Just never regret that you didn’t try to become the best.</p>
<p>Settling for 2nd place is called complacency. If you are weighting whether or not to become valedictorian, make a choice now… it’s either yes or no… or fall to third. I bet you the third place person is aiming to take over your spot right now. DO you think the third or fourth person in your class would think it’s “all right” to be out of the top 2 when the prize is within an arms reach away… Just don’t be knocked out of 2nd… might as well strive, maintain it, and go get first.</p>
<p>You’ll be fine so don’t worry!
…and congrats on doing so well in school!</p>
<p>sabotage the current person reeking the glory that comes with being 1st in class, I say you should strive to suceed and proceed on this journey to be #1, my words you should heed, or pitiful losers you will breed.</p>