<p>For applications, I’m wondering whether this is more of a plus for me, or not such a good thing…</p>
<p>My school, even though its (second or third?) in the state, is amazingly easy compared to the harder ones. 90%-100% is an A is a 4.0. Smart people, not even amazingly smart people, get nothing but A’s. We have about 400 people in our grade.</p>
<p>So I’ve had nothing but A’s and a 4.0 GPA. Is this good, or will colleges see that my school is not very hard and frown on that?</p>
<p>Also, because of this, I’ve taken many more weighted classes, and that pushed my rank up to, when I apply, 1 or 2. Does valedictorian status outweigh the fact that my school is easier?</p>
<p>So what I’m asking is: the minus from the school being easy combined with the plus that I’m number 1 or 2, is that an overall negative or positive?</p>
<p>Your school being easy is a minus… BUT if you are first or second you have proven that even among a “generic” straight-A student body, you push yourself and stand out. So the rank will count more as it is the distinguishing factor.</p>
<p>where do admissions officers get schools ranks on how easy/hard/competitive high schools are? Is there some sort of list online? I wouldn’t mind checking it out.</p>
<p>I don’t know about that. Generally, they know your school (so that’s what your college counselor does all the time!.. tells colleges about your school…) and the counselor tells them the average GPA for past groups of grads and the average GPA for your class (so they know whether your school is grade inflation-riddled, or whether your class is just smart).</p>
<p>I hope this question is a joke. If you are really concerned about this, you should be taking medication because I don’t know how you can deal with the bigger problems that will come in your life.</p>
<p>Uh… I am concerned with this. You really don’t seem to understand the extent of my situation.</p>
<p>I feel as if I’m just wizzing myself though the A’s and rank. Just sit in class, listen = A. Nothing much creative on the tests, nothing that gets you too thinking, just examples you’ve done in class. Meanwhile, my friend reports to me accounts of extreme stress and workload in her competitive school and she gets some B’s. We compare material on tests, and I don’t think mine are even in the realm of as difficult. Nobody (minus about 2 people)here even cared about the PSATs. HALF OF THE PEOPLE HAVE A’S!!!</p>
<p>Capeesh?</p>
<p>Thank you for everyone who replied! I feel like my courseload and my rank are pluses, but the easy school thing could be a problem…</p>
<p>sdkdol: most people can’t control the quality of education and challenge level given by their High schools. In your situation, if you really want to distinguish yourself (beyond finishing 1 or 2 and doing very well on the standardized tests), you can perhaps try self-studying for a few AP exams.</p>
<p>The fact is even the vals of underperforming schools will get swamped by “real” challenges at state schools. I’ve known several vals of urban schools that got swamped and dropped out of college because the expectations laid upon them in their poor high schools didn’t match the reality of a four year college. You’ve got to pull yourself up out of your circumstance. Crank on the SAT or ACT preparation (get books or online practices), and seriously consider prepping yourself for a few APs. </p>
<p>If you succeed at these, admissions officers will be able to see that you’re the diamond in the rough despite the ridiculously obvious grade inflation at your HS. Frankly, I feel sorry for them because they’ll get hammered at college or the workplace.</p>
<p>Don’t worry about your peers at your school. The world beyond can be very challenging – it seems like you’re readying yourself for this. You’re to be commended.</p>
<p>If you’re feeling unchallenged, take a couple community college classes in addition to your regular courseload. These classes will set you apart from other applicants in your same situation because you will prove that you are intellectually curious and that you can succeed in higher level classwork.</p>
<p>T26E4- Thank you for your suggestions! I’ve only heard about people bragging about how great our school’s education is and that they are very well prepared for college. I beg to differ, however. I’m currently (and in the future) trying to do those things most of my peers do not, like study for SAT and ACT</p>
<p>bad- thank you! I’m registering to take a high level class at the local college next year. hopefully, that will prepare me well for college :)</p>