I’m from Arizona, and I attend a new public school with an “okay” education system. However, Arizona hosts multiple prestigious private schools - many of these students end up at top 20 colleges. But will being from a different, public school with decent stats raise one’s chances at top 20 schools?
For example, if I have the same stats as a student from a private school in AZ, will I have a higher chance of admittance at a college?
And is Arizona “underrepresented” enough in the college admissions process to be considered a slight hook?
I do not think it helps you either way.
At east coast schools that are trying to increase geographic diversity it may be the slightest advantage.
@daboombas For example, if I have the same stats as a student from a private school in AZ, will I have a higher chance of admittance at a college?
No, not unless your school is more highly regarded than the othe
Don’t assume adcoms act in a vacuum. They’ll look for the strengths offered by your hs and those that you, as the candidate, show. And those private hs students may have greater opps and higher standards they face, within those hs. Not simply the same stats.
If you feel your hs isn’t challenging, go find ways to stretch, academically and in activities. You’ve named Dartmouth and Columbia. They will review you for far more than your stats and in-school clubs. And they will have qualified applicants from AZ. Be on your game. Know what that means.