How are US high schools ranked?

I'm trying to understand the ranking system for high schools in the US. What factors are considered in these rankings, and how important are they when it comes to college applications?

The ranking of high schools typically depends on several factors, and different organizations may weight these factors differently.

Primary considerations often include:

1. Standardized test scores: Many rankings use student performance on state-required tests as a primary factor.

2. College readiness: This measures how well the school prepares its students for college, usually indicated by the proportion of students taking and passing Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate examinations.

3. Graduation rates: High graduation rates can bolster a school's ranking.

4. College matriculation rates: A high percentage of students attending four-year colleges or universities after graduation can also improve a high school's ranking.

5. Student-to-teacher ratio: Schools with smaller class sizes and lower student-to-teacher ratios often rank higher.

6. Diversity: Ethnic and economic diversity may also be considered.

In terms of college applications, the reputation of your high school can play a role, but it’s not a make-or-break factor. Something more significant is the rigor of your curriculum relative to what's offered at your high school. For example, if your school offers numerous AP classes and you've taken a good number of them, this signals to colleges that you've sought out academic challenges.

Universities also look at your GPA, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, entrance exam scores (where required), and personal essays. These are areas where you, as a student, can potentially have an impact.

While all these factors are taken into consideration, it’s important to remember that the best high school for a student is one where they can excel academically and personally, rather than one that is merely highly ranked.