My school is pre-k to 12, and there are about 300 students. Total. And my entire grade is 16 people; possibly 15 because one might be moving. I’m in the top, if number one, in my class, so hypothetically speaking, if I am awarded valedictorian, it will only be out of 15 and possibly 14 others. My school is small and rural and there’s not a lot of AP’s (there are only four!!) or other opportunities to really prove yourself in a pool of applicants that have gone to, say, Stuyvesant high school. I’m worried that my rank will be worthless and that I will never be able to gain a competitive edge for applications to top schools. And before you comment that Valedictorian isn’t that much of a “stand-out” factor in the context of the Ivies and similar schools, I already know that, and I also figure it can’t hurt because that will also mean I have an excellent GPA.
What is your question here? It seems that you already know that being valedictorian doesn’t give you an admissions boost.
Colleges evaluate you in the context of your HS.
If you are #1 and you have taken all 4 APs, then you have taken the most rigorous curriculum your HS offers and done very well in it.
I have a ton of friends right now in college that are in your exact position. All of them had the same fears/worries, yet they all have succeeded immensely. They all came from super small private schools and outdid most of their competition. If you’d like some more insight and advice, let me know!
College’s want diversity. Doing so well at your small school will probably make to stand out because not a lot of kids go to those high schools, statistically.
I agree with the previous poster…schools are looking to create a class with kids from all different backgrounds. Going to such a tiny school is different, interesting and unique. Being valedictorian is an accomplishment and something to be proud of. Smart students can be found everywhere at all kinds of schools. Its JMHO, but I think if you had strong SAT scores to put together with valedictorian it would make it obvious that you are indeed very bright. Don’t negate your high school experience because your school was small and didn’t offer a lot. It’s still your accomplishment. Good for you!
^ I wholeheartedly agree. With strong standardized test scores to support your class standing, the status/quality/size of your school should not be a factor as how much you took advantage of the opportunities that presented itself to you at said school. Good luck and keep up the good work.
Everyone is so kind and encouraging here on CC (unless it’s an Ivy ED thread. lol!) but seriously, thanks.
@harvardfanatic10 My school is public and for rankings, it only got a bronze in USNWR. It’s not super competitive, but like everyone said, that can actually be a good thing. Just for perspective.
Who cares if it looks good to adcoms, anyway? something designed to look good reeks of superficiality.
You, apparently, when you made the thread…?
I’ve learned better now.
It seems that so many applicants to college panic about some little thing might that lead to rejected admission. Life is rarely that simple and we may be rejected for something other than what we worry about or accepted because we fit the school’s goals. Lots of students attend high school with a small student body that limits taking AP classes as well as lots of options in academic areas.
While our individual profiles are unique, we are rarely the one person in scads of applicants who…Colleges have processed thousands of applicants so should have experience in admitting the next class. Rejection and acceptance are not personersonal to the school even though critical to us individuals.
Colleges select classes and have some profiles they really seek. Students from small schools may be particularly sought. There are even schools like state schools that may only admit valedictorians. Submit you best app!ovation than wait. There is simply no benefit from worrying about something where you have no control over the decision.
You are right, @zannah. I guess like at some private schools the classes are pretty small. At least I have an advantage because I get more face-to-face interaction with teachers and more personalized help on my application and stuff because teachers and GC know me personally. I know that the whole question was pointless, but there’s weird stuff that I worry about sometimes.
You WILL be expected to take all 4 APs even of you don’t like them and if there’s a community college or online public school (most States have them) it can’t hurt if you try to take a few more advanced classes than what your HS offers. However you will NOT be judged against Stuy students, but rather in your own context.
I’m going to take all 4 APs, but the only one I’m on the fence about is AP Calc AB because I would prefer to take BC, but my school doesn’t have it, so I might go to a local CC and take Calc 1 and 2 instead. And I’m planning to graduate early to go to an early college thingie, so that would automatically rule out 3 out of 4 APs. Plus I’m going to take some independent DEs. 
You should know though that since your school offers only 4 APs you’ll be expected to take all four even of you’re not interested. Ask around to see if your state may not offer a free public online school (most States do) to complement what is likely limited curricular offerings (how many teachers are there?) In addition, if there’s a community college you can get to (or that offers online classes) see if you can take advantage of dual enrollment (also called pseo or running start).
Please don’t worry about things that are not under your control, like the size of the graduating class. It. Is what it is.
So I should just take the AB? (provided I stay for senior year). Should I even consider early grad? NY doesn’t have pseo. I’ll look up running start. I just said I’m planning on taking classes at the local CC.
Data point of 1 here. My D was the valedictorian of a class of 12. She was accepted to any Ivy SCEA (which she did not end up attending, btw).
BUT…I really think her val. status had little to no importance. She had done things mostly outside the classroom to distinguish herself. In other words, she found a way to shine personally, not just in the context of her peers.
IMHO, I would advise you not to graduate early. Use that “extra” year to find an EC that demonstrates your personality, strengths,and interests.
It’s so I can go to an early college thing in place of sr year