Do private schools have it easier than normal publics?

[FallGirl]

<p>

I’m sure Caltech, MIT and Columbia know that a 40%-percentile ranked student from Thomas Jefferson High, for instance, is on a very different context (all bright kids from Fairfax co.) than a student at a comprehensive high school.

</p>

<p>You would be surprised. A 40% kid from TJ will NOT be accepted to the schools you referenced (or several other top schools) unless he/she is “hooked”.</p>