<p>The Ivys and peer schools, if unhooked, will expect you to be at at top of your class. Top 5% is great, but your chances are definitely higher if you are in the top 1-2%.</p>
<p>It also depends on the high school. Some schools in America are so competitive and have such a strong student body that students outside the top 1-2% regularly get into the ivies and peer schools.</p>