Will going to a very competitive high school make a difference?

I’m currently a sophomore in highschool and I go to one of the most competitive highly ranked public school in the state. Our classes are so difficult due to the fact that the students are all very smart and its an upper middle class area and taxes are especially high because of the schools. I was wondering how colleges would see this. My grades aren’t nearly as high as people who I’m smarter than but go to easier highschool in nearby towns. It seems like all though I work harder they will have an easier time getting into college. Thanks in advanced!

“My grades aren’t nearly as high as people who I’m smarter than”

If you have a 3.84 UW GPA, high standardized test scores, and are ranked 2 / 412 in your class, then you will not be evaluated the same as someone who has a 3.84 UW GPA, mediocre test scores, and is ranked 51 / 412.

Colleges take into account the rigor of your HS.

…especially your state flagship. Once heard the admin person from a state flagship- one of the top ranked ones- say ‘we just go to [super-competitive public magnet], take everything we want from there and then go to the other local HS to see what they have’…