Would rank help or hurt this situation?

<p>I have the option of reporting or not reporting class rank. I'm just wondering what you all would do in this situation...I go to a highly regarded public high school if that makes a difference
My GPA is 5.65/6 (W) and 4.9/5 (UW)<br>
But my class rank is not that impressive, its something around 40/700.</p>

<p>If I'm applying to the most selective schools, I feel like I shouldn't report because...that rank isn't all that great. Since its based off of weighted GPA mine was brought down a lot due to taking orchestra every year, which is weighted as a regular level (most of the people above me do not take electives because of that).</p>

<p>But at the same time, I've been reading that if you do not submit a rank, adcoms will make one up for you, which could end up hurting...?</p>

<p>Any thoughts/advice?</p>

<p>Top 10% isn't impressive?</p>

<p>If you go to a highly regarded school that they get many applicants from, they have plently of info to accurately know your rank anyway.</p>

<p>I'd report it. If you're at a highly regarded public, the top schools know of it and they'll know from prior experience where you fall. Did the kids above you in rank take a core honors/AP course in lieu of orchestra, or was orchestra an extra class for you? If the latter, maybe your GC would be willing to explain the impact taking the extra orchestra class had on your rank. Regardless, selective schools aren't only going to look at your GPA and your rank - they're going to look at your courses and they'll know what's going on. And your rank is good!</p>

<p>that's a great rank, especially since colleges aren't stupid: they know that orchestra is a regular level without weight</p>

<p>That makes sense, hmom5
Orchestra is an extra elective class, not a core
Thanks for helping. I might just be overly paranoid after getting some disappointing SAT scores back. Its hard to stay optimistic...</p>