Rumor that HS class of 2012/College 2016 not as competitve as 2011/2015?any truth?

<p>Considering my school averages 10-20 Valedictorians (16 for the class of 2011), I find it hard to believe. This last class was stellar in my area, and tough to beat, but we have plenty of talented students that will keep admissions and scholarship competitions harsh in my area. (North-Eastern Iowa)</p>