Curious about top US high schools

Hi all! I've been searching around to find out which are considered the most prestigious high schools in the US. Any insights or suggestions? Is this something important I should factor into my college applications, or does college admission focus more on what I've achieved regardless of my school?

The concept of "prestigious" high schools varies significantly depending on who you ask. Some may point to acclaimed boarding schools like Philips Exeter Academy or Philips Academy Andover. Others might mention highly-ranked magnet schools such as Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology or Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy. Also, it's important to remember elite music and art schools like Juilliard Pre-College or Interlochen Arts Academy.

However, attending a prestigious high school isn't a ticket to a well-regarded college. Admissions officers do consider the rigor of your high school context, but it's not the school's name per se that matters, it's more about how you've taken advantage of the opportunities at your disposal, regardless of where you're studying. Admissions officers will look at your academic performance (Grade Point Average, course load, etc.), SAT/ACT scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.

Highly selective colleges want to see students who have pursued a challenging curriculum and have achieved a high level of success in that curriculum. For example, if your school offers 20 AP courses, and you have taken full advantage of these rigorous classes, then that shows colleges that you are willing and able to tackle challenging material. The same could be applied if your school only offered a few AP courses and you made the most of those opportunities.

Extracurricular activities are another crucial aspect of your application, and successful applicants to top colleges have 8-10 total extracurricular activities. However, keep in mind that quality is more important than quantity here, and that these activities can range from sports and clubs at your school to volunteer or work experiences outside of school.

In summary, it's not about the name on the diploma but about your achievements and the things you've done to best use the resources available to you at your school. Your ability to excel in your environment and make a positive impact will be more important than the name of your high school. For example, taking challenging classes, maintaining a high GPA, and actively participating in extracurricular activities, will be significant factors in your application.