What affect does the high school you attended have on admissions?

<p>My freshman year I attended a small public high school with about 80 students in my grade. I like the school's environment, teachers, students, and so on. They allow you to take 7 classes a year.</p>

<p>The local public high school is quite larger, with about 200 students in their graduating class. From people who've gone to the school and personal research into it, I've heard the teacher quality was poorer, the books were out-of-date, and the environment was poor in general. You may take 6 courses a year.</p>

<p>The valedictorian of the larger school was accepted to Yale, which made me feel ambivalent about my choice.</p>

<p>What factors do colleges look at, in terms of your school choice? Would it be bad for me to transfer to another school?</p>

<p>Well, I sure hope you’re not planning to transfer solely because of college acceptances. Colleges aren’t going to penalize you for not attending another public high school. First off, more intensive and rigorous schools tend to send more students selective schools. Colleges don’t really take into consider the out-of-date books that a student’s high school is using so don’t worry. Most colleges look at a bunch of factors so challenge yourself with APs and honors classes when you get the chance. If you like the smaller school you’re in right now, and you’re getting a better education, I see no reason to transfer to another high school.</p>

<p>You can get into Yale from the worst school in the country. All that matters is that you take advantage of what’s available at your school and excel relative to your surroundings.</p>

<p>If you prefer the small school, stay there. Never chose a school based on college admissions—just do your best at whichever school you like.</p>

<p>I don’t think it matters at all. I go to a large public school with over 3000 students in the most underfunded district in the states. Every year, people from my school still get into the ivies and other top schools. I don’t think colleges look at where you went, but how you did there. Stay where you feel most comfortable :)</p>

<p>I don’t think it matters much either. Some people may not really have a choice for high school where they go, so colleges just have to look at where you went and how you did relative to what you were offered.</p>