How does the high school you attend impact admission?

gardenstategal
Sun, 22 May 2022 15:40:36 +0000

There’s no simple answer.

If you are a top student at Exeter or Stuyvesant, nobody will doubt your qualifications, so it’s a stamp of approval. Bottom half of the class at one of these – you’re probably exceptionally well prepared and able, but if the tippy top of your class has their sights on your top choices, you might have been better off elsewhere in terms of admissions if you are unhooked.

If you are in an auto-admit pool (i.e. Texas), your odds may improve at a less great school. But you may not be as well prepared.

It can help if your CC knows how to write a good rec and advise you well. Many “top” high schools have ways for students to do more advanced work and differential themselves.

But a high flyer from a less known school can leap out too because they aren’t like all the kids from feeder schools.

If you have choice, pick the school where the student can thrive and be their best self. No reason to go to the prestigious magnet if it’s not a good academic and social fit.