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I think that most smart students take the tried-and-true route of going to the best school they can and maximizing their GPA. The answer to the big fish in a small pond question might lie in a consideration of college admissions. Is it better to go to a top private high school, or is it better to go to a uncompetitive high school in hopes of gaining admission to a great university? Wealthy, experienced parents recognize that the former is more advantageous than the latter. Students from top schools are less risky. That might serve as a useful analogy for your decision.</p>