^I hope this question isn’t too far off topic, but I know a few very talented students in that situation, that for whatever middle school reasons had to start high school in algebra 1 and so will finish with precalc in 12th, at a good high school where math offerings go up to calc 3. How is that situation viewed by highly selective colleges looking for most rigorous/demanding - are such students at a substantial disadvantage if they are looking for top schools? (I have long imagined that the answer is yes)