Hurting My chances?

College Search & Lists
1

<p>Hi
I’m a junior in a small predominantly white public school in PA that doesn’t necessarily have the best reputation…</p>

<p>My top choice schools are Duke, Rice, and Amherst College with my fallbacks being University of Miami and the University of Tampa. All of the schools are vastly different, I know. My question is, will my school’s reputation overshadow my accomplishments?
here is a little bit about me
-I’m African American
-Number 2 in my class out of 284 (weighted GPA 102.6 unweighted 96.3)
-I’m involved in Marching, Pit, Symphonic, Concert, and Jazz band
-I was freshman and sophomore class president and there is a strong chance I’ll keep that up for my remaining two years.
-Varsity Track and Field sophomore year, #11 in my league in my events
-SAT scores as a freshman 1690 with no preparation at all whatsoever.(Ive been religiously studying for them now I’m looking to get a 2100)</p>

<p>I really want to make something of myself but I’m absolutely terrified my school’s rep will destroy my dreams. So what do you think? Can a less than stellar high school be overlooked especially in a case like mine?</p>

2

<p>The fact that you have good grades and good ECs at a school with a bad rep might actually help you stand out more. </p>

<p>For instance, I’ve got a very high SAT score and gpa but I go to an extremely competitive high school. I’m not much of a standout even though at other schools I’d easily rank 1st in the class. </p>

<p>Also, keep in mind that colleges don’t care as much about your school as they care about you. If your school has a bad rep, so what? You might even be able to spin it into a good essay.</p>