<p>I do not know about “most competitive”, but we were at an info session not too long ago. Admissions made it very clear that they are aware that some high schools have grade inflation, and others do not. They gave this example, “from certain high schools they feel a 3.3 might equal a 3.8 from others”. They said that admissions is aware of grading differences.</p>
<p>So, in my backyard, here are the admissions rates from some very reputable schools, with excellent campuses, fine faculty, some with good financial aid. Some are even listed in Princeton Review’s “Best of the West”:</p>
<p>Whitworth - 63%
University of Washington - 68% (for UW-Bothell and UW-Tacoma, it’s probably closer to 90%)
Central Washington U. - 75%
Eastern Washington U. - 82%
Washington State - 77% (probably closer to 90% at their Spokane branch)
Linfield College (a great school!) - 73%
Pacific Lutheran University - 74%
Pacific University - 82%
George Fox University - 88%</p>
<p>UT and A&M accept more than just the top 10%.Yes, by state law they must accept these kids, but they still have room for others. Not that much room, but room, nonetheless. How about Blinn for 1-2 years and then automatic transfer to UT? How about the other UT schools in San Antonio or Dallas? They have to accept the top 10% as well, but have room. Kids do drop out of the flagship campuses and perhaps transfer would be an option. How about Trinity in SA? If your school is as competetive as you say, they will know that, and use that as one their yardsticks in application. Baylor?</p>
<p>My D graduated from what is considered a competive academic magnet program in about the middle of her class–maybe just below the top half. Her average was around a B+ and her test scores were pretty high. I could not make her understand that the strong test scores were not going to help out the average grades. She applied to 8 schools, 6 of them top LAC’s or Ivy’s and 2 safeties–a very good LAC and a decent second-tier university. Was accepted at only the 2 safeties. Cried forever. Wound up attending her next to last choice, the LAC, and loved every minute of it—couldn’t imagine she ever wanted to go anywhere else. Graduated a few years ago, is living in another state, totally self-supporting–doing well in her career and taking graduate studies at night. </p>
<p>There are many options–consider the choice of schools carefully and make sure the “safetys” are places your D could really see herself attending.</p>
<br>
<br>
<p>The reality is that there are some very bright students at many colleges that are not in the top 50 or 100 for that matter. I would try to find a school where this young lady will be happy living and studying. She will find students with whom to relate anywhere where she is a happy matriculant.</p>
<p>This is exactly why D’s h.s. doesn’t rank. THe only ranking info they will release will be to state if the girl is in the top or 2nd decile. If a student falls below the top 20%, the ranking questions are left blank by the GC. 100% of the grads go to four year colleges, across a wide variety of prestige levels.</p>
<p>Half the doctors in the country graduated in the bottom half of their class :-)</p>
<p>Most of them are very good 
</p>
<p>The OP hasn’t responded as to what her D’s SAT scores are and that is a good indicator in this case.</p>
<p>My experience is similar to what JHS has observed.</p>