<p>You just answered your own question. If your school has a “ton” of kids that have way higher grade than you, and you’re shooting for “elite schools” where something like 95% of students are in the top decile of their class, then yes it could break you. The number is meaningless to us because we have no idea how you compare to other students in your class. Just remember that class standing and transcript (including course rigor and grades) are the most important aspects of an application, way more important than test scores or ECs.</p>