5 answers
Julia
Student
Providence, Rhode Island
3
Questions
Asked
1918 views
Does the high school you go to matters to colleges?
For example, does a student applying from the best high school in the state he or she lives in has a higher chance of being admitted into the college she/he wants than a student that comes from a normal high school (a school with no rankings)? #high-school #high-school-students #school #student #college #admissions
5 answers
Dana Jordan
Senior Associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers
8
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Dana’s Answer
Hi Julia!
Not one bit :) When apply to a graduate program, usually the undergraduate program is considered but when applying to undergraduate the high school usually is not considered. I believe GPA, ACT/SAT scores and extra curricular activities are considered.
Dana
Aditi Agarkhed
Alternative Investments Intern
11
Answers
Lawrence Township, New Jersey
Updated
Aditi’s Answer
Julia,
Where you go to high school doesn't matter to colleges! But, what does matter is what you made of your high school experience, so they will look at things like your GPA, SAT/ACT scores, extra curriculars, and possibly class rank. Your high school experience is what you make of it, so focus on working as hard as you can and getting as involved as you can and you will do great!
Where you go to high school doesn't matter to colleges! But, what does matter is what you made of your high school experience, so they will look at things like your GPA, SAT/ACT scores, extra curriculars, and possibly class rank. Your high school experience is what you make of it, so focus on working as hard as you can and getting as involved as you can and you will do great!
Meighan Middleton
Former College Advisor and Admissions Professional/Surface Warfare Officer
38
Answers
Newport, Rhode Island
Updated
Meighan’s Answer
Julia,
While I agree with most of the points other commenters made, there are a few exceptions on when you may want to transfer high schools to boost your admissions chances. In general, high school performance including grades, class ranks, class section, extracurriculars, and test scores is the most important factor to gaining college admission no matter what school you are at.
However, if you are in a district where you could either go to a standard high school OR a charter, IB, or technical high school, you may want to considering transferring to the school that most aligns with your educational goals. For example, if you are STEM oriented and considering a technical or engineering degree and there is a local STEM high school that offers engineering elective tracks, that may be a better fit for you than your current high school.
If your goal is to double major in college or have flexibility in your degree plan to pursue study abroad opportunities, a high school that offers Dual Enrollment or IB curriculum that allows you to validate college credits may make more sense.
The bottom line-if switching high schools is realistic option, it may make sense to transfer to one that best supports your educational goals.
-Meighan
Talk over your goals with your school's Guidance Counselor
While I agree with most of the points other commenters made, there are a few exceptions on when you may want to transfer high schools to boost your admissions chances. In general, high school performance including grades, class ranks, class section, extracurriculars, and test scores is the most important factor to gaining college admission no matter what school you are at.
However, if you are in a district where you could either go to a standard high school OR a charter, IB, or technical high school, you may want to considering transferring to the school that most aligns with your educational goals. For example, if you are STEM oriented and considering a technical or engineering degree and there is a local STEM high school that offers engineering elective tracks, that may be a better fit for you than your current high school.
If your goal is to double major in college or have flexibility in your degree plan to pursue study abroad opportunities, a high school that offers Dual Enrollment or IB curriculum that allows you to validate college credits may make more sense.
The bottom line-if switching high schools is realistic option, it may make sense to transfer to one that best supports your educational goals.
-Meighan
Meighan recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6183
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Julia,
Indeed, the high school you attend can influence your college admission prospects, but it's not the sole determinant. Colleges look at a variety of factors during their selection process.
Here's how your high school can influence your college admission:
1. Academic Intensity: Colleges favor students who've tackled demanding courses in high school. If your school offers advanced placement (AP) or international baccalaureate (IB) classes, enrolling in these can showcase your preparedness for college-level studies.
2. Class Standing: Some high schools rank students based on their academic achievements. Being at the top of your class can give you an edge when applying to competitive colleges.
3. Extracurricular Activities: Colleges appreciate all-round students who've been involved in extracurricular activities like sports, clubs, and volunteer work. Schools that offer a wide range of these activities give students more chances to participate.
4. Recommendations from Counselors and Teachers: Colleges often request recommendations from your high school counselor and teachers. A well-regarded high school can enhance your application.
5. Alumni Network: Some colleges favor applicants who have ties to the college through high school alumni.
However, colleges also consider other factors when deciding on admissions, including:
1. Grades and Test Scores: Your GPA and standardized test scores (like the SAT or ACT) are crucial. Colleges want to see a solid academic record and your ability to handle college-level studies.
2. Essays: Many colleges require application essays. These essays allow you to highlight your writing skills, personality, and interests.
3. Interviews: Some colleges include interviews in the admissions process. These interviews let you establish a personal connection with an admissions representative and show your interest in the college.
4. Extracurricular Activities and Work Experience: Colleges like to see you've been involved in activities beyond the classroom that show your interests and passions. This could be volunteer work, internships, or paid work.
5. Letters of Recommendation: Colleges might request letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or other adults who know you well and can vouch for your character and abilities.
In conclusion, while a high-ranking high school can offer some benefits in the college admissions process, it's not the only thing colleges consider. Grades, test scores, essays, extracurricular activities, interviews, and letters of recommendation all play a significant role in creating a compelling college application.
Stay blessed!
James Constantine.
Indeed, the high school you attend can influence your college admission prospects, but it's not the sole determinant. Colleges look at a variety of factors during their selection process.
Here's how your high school can influence your college admission:
1. Academic Intensity: Colleges favor students who've tackled demanding courses in high school. If your school offers advanced placement (AP) or international baccalaureate (IB) classes, enrolling in these can showcase your preparedness for college-level studies.
2. Class Standing: Some high schools rank students based on their academic achievements. Being at the top of your class can give you an edge when applying to competitive colleges.
3. Extracurricular Activities: Colleges appreciate all-round students who've been involved in extracurricular activities like sports, clubs, and volunteer work. Schools that offer a wide range of these activities give students more chances to participate.
4. Recommendations from Counselors and Teachers: Colleges often request recommendations from your high school counselor and teachers. A well-regarded high school can enhance your application.
5. Alumni Network: Some colleges favor applicants who have ties to the college through high school alumni.
However, colleges also consider other factors when deciding on admissions, including:
1. Grades and Test Scores: Your GPA and standardized test scores (like the SAT or ACT) are crucial. Colleges want to see a solid academic record and your ability to handle college-level studies.
2. Essays: Many colleges require application essays. These essays allow you to highlight your writing skills, personality, and interests.
3. Interviews: Some colleges include interviews in the admissions process. These interviews let you establish a personal connection with an admissions representative and show your interest in the college.
4. Extracurricular Activities and Work Experience: Colleges like to see you've been involved in activities beyond the classroom that show your interests and passions. This could be volunteer work, internships, or paid work.
5. Letters of Recommendation: Colleges might request letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or other adults who know you well and can vouch for your character and abilities.
In conclusion, while a high-ranking high school can offer some benefits in the college admissions process, it's not the only thing colleges consider. Grades, test scores, essays, extracurricular activities, interviews, and letters of recommendation all play a significant role in creating a compelling college application.
Stay blessed!
James Constantine.
PRETTY WELL THANKS!
James Constantine Frangos
Paul Gullatte
Director, Advertising and Marketing Compliance
204
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Paul’s Answer
No, it does not. At the end of the day what matters most are your SAT score, GPA and maybe your class ranking. In other words, focus on your school work and you'll be just fine. You'll get accepted into the schools you want AND receive scholarship money.
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