Previous Students Influencing Current Pool- maybe?

[redribbon08]

<p>Are how successful students who attend the school currently an indicator of school preparation that colleges consider?</p>

<p>I'm asking because our number 2 in last years class attends a top 20 ranked school. I'm very similar in class schedule (I'm slightly more rigorous, but she was more balanced), but have a lower rank and not as high on the SAT IIs. Because I doubt many students applied here, and I know I'm the only one who applied to this school from my school of 1700, will I reap any benefit? </p>

<p>^^^ I'm not desperate, just curious. :D</p>

[NatalieW]

<p>Possibly? Schools want to accept students who will go there and who will do well. A similar student from the same school doing well may be an indicator that you will do well. NYU accepted 9 students from the senior class last year, 7 of whom matriculated and are doing quite well. This year, 15 applied and so far everyone who has heard back, roughly half, has gotten in.</p>

[salamander]

<p>Oh, God, I hope so. A kid who graduated from my school two years ago made the dean's list at Columbia, and now I want to go there.</p>

[citymom]

<p>I think it matters only when A LOT students from your school apply to a particular college. Like several dosens. Then the university knows whether they are likely to come if accepted and whether they stand out among other students later.
One student means nothing. Statistically. Also, unless this is a tiny LAC, the adcoms simply do not have time and resources to trace the pedigree of each applicant.</p>