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Comparing students from the same highschool
EpicFireRage
14 replies8 threads Junior Member
Hi, so I have a friend who is in the same highschool as me. We both have extremely similar stats, essays, race, and other factors, but he is low income. Considering that the main different between us is his income level, would our similarity hurt either of our chances at schools from HYPMS? If so then how much? Does it hurt both or only one of us?
11 replies
Replies to: Comparing students from the same highschool
That said, HYPSM do not have min/max/quota per HS. They may admit one/both/none. What you need to do is focus on creating the best application and not worry about what is in anyone else's application package.
There is really not much you or anyone could do other than to wish each of you good luck.
You appear to be way too focused on the very top tier colleges. The chance of admission at these schools is under 10% and for some under 5% -- a major reach for an unhooked applicant. Both you and your friend need to seek out and apply to a group of match and reach schools that appear affordable (run net price calculators) and that you would be excited to attend. There are so many amazing colleges and universities out there -- find them and apply to them.
Excellent advice. You're overthinking things, worrying about things beyond your control (e.g. his family income vs. yours). Submit your own best application, and if you are happy and proud of it, you will have done all you can.
If your friend gets in and you don't, it won't mean he took a spot from you, and vice versa. Your applications are not identical, even if you brainstormed them together, and you don't know which detail in it will be the one thing that the AO picks out as something the college needs and is looking for.
Both you and your friend should have match and likely schools that you would be happy to attend (and can afford). If you've picked these matches carefully, there is no reason you shouldn't be happy for each other regardless of the admissions outcome, because having picked carefully, you know you are both going to get a great education.
I can absolutely and unequivocally tell you that there will not be a moment in which any AO at any college will hold your application in one hand, and your classmate's application in the other, trying to figure out which one of you they will accept.
Apply to the colleges which interest you, and stop wasting your time on thinking about how other applicants may or may not affect your applications.
Low income is generally a disadvantage in going to college, because your friend will find that some colleges that may be match, likely, or safety for admission are reach for him to get the FA/scholarships needed for him to afford to attend. And if his parents are divorced, that limits the college options even more.