Will class rank affect me?

Applying to College
1

I have a 4.36 weighted GPA. However, my area is so competitive that I only rank within about the top 20% of my class.

I am in about 10 school clubs and am seeking to apply to youth political organizations, as well as jobs or internships. I write frequent submissions to local newspapers and as of now, the only leadership I hold is an editor for our magazine. However, I am in very demanding clubs such as Model UN, National _ Society, etc.

Despite my extracurriculars, will my class rank be a hindrance when applying to Ivy or top schools such as Uni. of Chicago, UMich, etc.? Most of my extracurriculars and classes (psychology) may seem like fluff on my resume to “pad” it or whatever other kids do, but I have a very strong interest in such subjects.

Also, would having a job benefit my resume? I heard that to get a job after college, an internship would be preferred, which would lead to the internship’s preference of a candidate with previous job experience.

Thank you!

2

How big is your high school class? If it is a small class, it won’t make much difference

3

@wisteria100 Class of 700/800.

4

Yes it will be an issue. Look up the Common Data Set for each school, section C7, to see what weight rank gets.

5

Rank will matter to highly selective colleges.

10 school clubs and you are looking for more, suggests you are spreading yourself very thin. Focus on the ones that really matter to you.

Getting internships in high school is possible but challenging; it is nearly the norm in college.

6

@collegemom3717 I do focus on all my clubs; like I said, they all pertain to my interests. I am currently a Secretary for Model UN, hold positions as Historian/Secretary/Treasurer in all my Honor Societies, have won multiple awards in DECA competitions, and have other positions in other clubs. I’m very dedicated to these clubs and making sure I give them the best resources I can leave them with for the success of these clubs before I have to go to college.

7

Everything you do is part of your record. Your grades are part of your record. How you rank within your school is part of your record. Your leadership positions are part of your record. It all goes together and it all matters. Holistic admissions means that everything is examined together to paint a picture of you.

8

At my school you don’t have to report your rank to colleges, ask your guidance counselor if it is optional if you are still worried.