<p>I do agree that if you to a bs where everyone is trying to get into an Ivy, it can be more competitive than your local public (again, depends on the quality of the local public). In our area, it is difficult to be the “star” anything as we are rural and lack the kinds of resources that kids really need to excel in any particular area (unless, like me, you are willing to drive your children over an hour each way to do their activity at a club, rather than just school, level). However, if you go to a good bs where not so many try for the Ivies, I do believe your chances increase substantially.</p>