Does a 98 average vs a 99 average really matter for selective colleges? Also, do colleges compare you with the kids in your school (GPA wise)?
No, it doesn’t matter. Yes, selective colleges typically evaluate applicants in the context of the school. So, in that sense, your GC’s report is more important than a 98 vs 99.
It looks like you just finished your freshman year of HS. It is a waste of time to ask volunteers to opine about what is a potential teeny tiny difference in GPA which may or may not happen. See where your grades, test scores etc. actually end up junior year.
At this point you academic focus should be only on doing the best you can with the most difficult schedule you can manage. I’d strongly recommend that you get off the admissions page of CC – it is too early. If you have any questions about HS go to the HS Life forum.