I've heard some schools report class rank using deciles instead of giving a specific rank. Can someone explain to me how this system works and what the term decile means in this context? Does it make a difference when applying to colleges? Thanks!
In the context of class rank reporting, the word decile refers to a grouping of students within a specific 10% range of their class. For example, if a school uses deciles to report class rank, students within the top 10% fall into the first decile, those in the next 10% (11% to 20%) fall into the second decile, and so on. This system divides the entire class into ten equal groups based on students' academic performance.
Using deciles instead of specific class rank can help paint a broader picture of a student's academic standing. Some schools prefer this system as it reduces competitive pressure and allows for a more collaborative academic environment among students. Also, deciles can be helpful for colleges when evaluating applicants, as they provide a general idea of an applicant's performance within their school context without focusing too much on specific rank.
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