Do you have to go to a rigorous, prestigous high school to be accepted to a really great university like Yale?

Question

I don't know if I should choose going to a really hard high school where I am always stressed because there is so much work to manage. Or should I choose going to a rather good school where I am happy and I want to learn. At the same time I feel like if I don't go to the hard high school that I would just be giving up because I am making A+'s but the thing is is that I don't get any sleep and I even have to miss school days. On the other hand I think it's because I'm stressed and I don't know how to manage my work when I'm stress. How would universities look at my high school education? What does getting into great universities take? Please be thorough in your answer. Thank you.

Answer 1

Coming from a high end prep school certainly helps but its a bunch of things like demographics, SAT scores, recommendations, your essay, and your extracurricular activities that present the complete picture. If you apply from a school that has had a history of having students admitted, the college knows what the quality of education is at that school and what the grading system really represents. Most important, and this is extremely important, if you are fortunate enough to be in a great prep school you will be so prepared for college no matter what college you eventually attend it will be a breeze. Trust me on this, you'll likely enter with part of your first year completed through advanced placement examinations, you'll know the proper formats for reports, you'll know how to properly construct a thesis statement and too many other things to write about here. You will absolutely score higher on your SAT. If you want to enjoy the college experience, position yourself for an Ivy grad program, and have time to focus on the courses in your major, then tough it out in the perp school and enjoy the rest of your life. As a final note, after the first year and a half or so you'll get into the grind in prep school and the stress will melt away. Its a privilege not a sacrifice and the rewards are lifelong. Good luck in whatever you decide and be sure to take Latin to master English and kill on the verbal part of the SAT.

Answer 2

I would call the univeristy and ask them. Call teh admissions department, say "Hi, I'm about to choose a high school and I'm wondering how that affects my chances for admission to college." Actually I'd call a few and I wouldn't say "admission to YOUR college." Just say you're trying to gather information on how this choice will affect your future. My guess is a)they already have a pamphlet or web page or something with this info on it and b)you will BLOW THEM AWAY they might even keep your name and watch your progress.

One thing to keep in mind, though, if you are entering HS don't even worry about college yet. Those four years are HUGE for your life and you will go through many many changes. Just concetrate on doing your best, staying out of serious trouble, and following your heart. You'll end up in the perfect place for you for sure. If other people are trying to pressure you into thinking about getting into college now they are wrong. The only good thing about a "good" school is that if you truly belong there you will be amoung your peers. However, you can get a great education anywhere and at the end of the day where you got your BA doesn't matter that much for any practical purposes.

Answer 3

Great grades are only one of many things that those universities look at. They have a million applicants with great grades, you need to have something special that makes you stand out. You want some kind of extracurricular activities that show you can take initiative and be successful.

It's quite possible to get into a great university from a so-so high school, but you really have to find some way to stand out from the crowd. It doesn't really reflect well on you if you had the choice to go to a demanding high school, but you turned it down because you wanted something easier.

Good grades get them to look at your application, but they don't get you accepted. To actually be accepted to attend an elite university, you need something extra.

Answer 4

Here's the thing.

You can go to a prestigious HS and still get waitlisted for the Ivy League schools. There's an insame amount of competition and a limited number of entry slots. Remember, it's not just your grades; they look at everything you've done. The more well-rounded you are, the better chance you have.

Missing class,no matter the reason, might make them think you'll skip class once you get there, as well. If you can excel at this other school, you might want to consider it.

Being the top 5% isn't enough anymore, but it helps. Go for it.

Answer 5

stability your existence, pal. i could bypass the lesser under pressure college. My son did notably ok in intense college and have been given into Texas A&M......graduated with honors and then went directly to a PhD by the time he replaced into 27. i replaced right into some 3.4 student........have been given into Notre Dame and did notably lots.

Answer 6

You've just gotta do well on the SAT's

Answer 7

no