Do colleges compare applicants to their classmates?

Hello! Junior here, and I'm a little stressed about applying to colleges soon. Do colleges compare us to our classmates when looking at our applications? Like, if my class has multiple high-achieving students, will it hurt my chances of getting in? How much does this matter in the admission process? Thanks for the help!

Hello! You bring up a valid concern, and it's understandable to feel a bit stressed during the college application process. In short, yes, colleges do compare applicants to their classmates to some extent. This is because colleges want to understand the context of your achievements within your specific high school. Admissions officers will typically receive a school profile from your high school counselor which includes information about the school's demographics, academic offerings, and the grading system used.

The comparison mainly comes into play when looking at factors like class rank, course rigor, and perhaps extracurricular involvement or leadership roles. Admissions officers will want to see that you've taken advantage of the opportunities available at your school and that you're competitive within your peer group. This can also help them gauge how you might fare in their college’s academic environment.

If your school happens to have multiple high-achieving students, it won't necessarily hurt your chances of getting admitted to a college. While it's true that selective colleges may not admit a high number of students from the same high school, they will still be looking at students individually to build a diverse class and to admit applicants who can excel academically and contribute to the campus community. It's important to focus on how you can stand out as a unique and interesting candidate, showcasing your strengths, passions, and the positive impact you can bring to the college.

Ultimately, it's best not to get too caught up in the comparison aspect of the admissions process. Focus on crafting a strong application, showcasing your achievements, and emphasizing what makes you a great fit for the colleges you are applying to. Colleges use a holistic review process, meaning they look at various aspects of your application beyond just your academic performance. So, put your best foot forward and demonstrate your personal growth, character, and potential to succeed in college. Good luck!