Top Feeder Schools to Elite Colleges?

Hey guys! I'm a junior looking to transfer to another school that has a better track record in terms of sending students to elite colleges. Can you recommend any top feeder schools to highly-regarded colleges? What should I consider when transferring?

Hello! It's great that you have high ambitions for yourself. When it comes to top feeder schools, I can give you a few examples of well-known high schools that typically send a considerable number of students to elite colleges:

1. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (Virginia)

2. Stuyvesant High School (New York City)

3. Bronx High School of Science (New York City)

4. The Harker School (California)

5. Phillips Academy Andover (Massachusetts)

6. Phillips Exeter Academy (New Hampshire)

7. Lakeside School (Washington)

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list, but it might give you an idea of the type of competitive schools you'd be looking at. Keep in mind that attending these schools can be quite challenging in terms of the academic workload and, in some cases, affordability if they're private. You may also need to relocate, if the school doesn't offer boarding, so consider also looking into options closer to you if none of these are.

When considering transferring to another school, you should think about the following factors:

1. Curriculum strength: The school should offer a rigorous curriculum, including a wide range of AP or IB courses, to signal to elite colleges that you're challenging yourself academically.

2. Extracurricular opportunities: The school should have various clubs, organizations, sports, and other opportunities for you to pursue your passions and develop leadership skills.

3. College counseling resources: Make sure the school has a robust college counseling department that can offer personalized guidance throughout the college application process and has a history of students gaining admission to top schools.

4. School culture and fit: It's essential you feel comfortable and happy at the school you choose, as your academic performance will suffer otherwise. Talk to current students and visit the campus if possible to get a firsthand sense of what your life there would be like.

5. Financial considerations: If you're looking at private schools, make sure you research financial aid opportunities and have an honest conversation with your family about the costs associated with attending these schools.

Remember, while attending a top feeder school can give you access to valuable resources and opportunities, it's ultimately your hard work, dedication, and achievements that will be the most significant factors in gaining admission to elite colleges. Good luck with your decision, and I hope you find a school that's the right fit for you!