Will it affect ivy league chances if...

Question

..there is somebody at my school with a 5.2, awesome test scores, and supreme extracurriculars.

i think my creds are pretty good. i have gotten straight a's through all of high school, but my school messed up my schedule so i had to take an unnecessary class last year, so my GPA is lower than his. Also, my school is only letting me take 5 AP classes next year...and they're letting him take 7. Don't ask why--it's a crazy logistical error and i'm unbelievably pissed off.

Anyway, do selective colleges hesitate to accept more than one person from the same high school, or does it not make a difference?

please answer if you have experience.

Answer 1

most school dont compare you with someone else alot of times. it all depends on alot of things. your interview, essays, extracurriculars. they look at you as a whole.  

Answer 2

At ivy league colleges that absolutely compare you to your classmates and limit the number they take from any one school. 2 would not be too many though unless your school rarely sends kids to top colleges. If Yale hasn't taken anyone from your school in the last 5 years, it's unlikely they'll suddenly take tqo.

That said, when grades and scores are close the other guy won't get the nod if you have more interesting activities, better recs and a better application.

Answer 3

Admissions offices do not compare one student with another at the same high school.  It sounds as if you will have many AP (advanced Placement) classes as well, with a high GPA.  Take extra care with your college essay and try to show why you, as an individual, are outstanding, different, interesting, have a unique goal, or are just a great all-around kid.  I went to all Ivy league schools (Yale for my B.A., Brown for my Master's Degree, and back to Yale for my doctorate.)  I am sure I was accepted based on my essays, which were fairly outstanding (sorry if I'm being immodest), SATs (1560 out of 1600), and language ability (I speak 7 languages.)  My GPA wasn't all that spectacular (I got rejected at both Smith and Wellesley- where my mother went), but Yale was my absolute first choice, so I was cool with it.  Best of luck to you- I hope you get in!