<p>The only schools that reliably send somebody to top-ten schools are big public ones in wealthy ZIP codes – like your old school – and pricey prep schools, mainly in New England or California. </p>
<p>You’ll be fine. Keep your grades as high as possible, take the hardest courses possible, and convince your teachers you’re the most eager and capable student they’ve seen in years. </p>
<p>If you make the most of your current school, and score well enough on the standardized tests that you don’t seem like a gamble, your chances are just fine, especially for schools like BU and NYU that are very good but not so selective that they regularly turn down huge numbers of valedictorians.</p>
<p>What’s more, switching schools makes you more interesting. The Common App has space for you to explain your reasons for moving; you can also add a bit there about how it has changed you as a person.</p>