What does 'quartile class rank' mean?

I've heard the term 'quartile class rank' thrown around a lot when it comes to college apps. Can someone pls explain what it means and how it impacts college admissions? Thx!

Quartile class rank is a way of expressing a student's academic standing within their high school class by dividing the class into four equal parts, or quartiles. Each quartile represents 25% of the students in the class, based on their cumulative GPA or other criteria used by a high school for ranking students.

Here's a brief breakdown of the quartiles:

1. First Quartile (top 25%): These students have the highest GPAs and are in the top quarter of their class.

2. Second Quartile (26%-50%): Students in this quartile have GPAs that fall within the next highest quarter of their class.

3. Third Quartile (51%-75%): These students have GPAs that are in the third quarter of their class.

4. Fourth Quartile (bottom 25%): Students in this quartile have the lowest GPAs and are in the bottom quarter of their class.

When it comes to college admissions, class rank, including quartile class rank, can be a factor in determining a student's academic profile. Many colleges take class rank into consideration as it provides context for the competitiveness of a student's high school and how well they performed compared to their peers. However, not all high schools report class rank or use quartile ranking systems.

Selective colleges generally prefer applicants from the first quartile, as this indicates high academic achievement relative to their classmates. However, it's crucial to remember that college admissions are generally holistic, meaning that schools consider a wide range of factors, including GPA, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, personal statements, and recommendations, rather than solely relying on class rank. Additionally, schools understand that at more rigorous high schools, being in a lower quartile may actually be more impressive than being in a higher one at a less intensive school.

Therefore, while quartile class rank can play a role in college applications, it's just one part of a larger picture, and a lower class rank does not necessarily mean a student won't be admitted to a particular college. Focus on maintaining a strong GPA, participating in meaningful extracurriculars, and building a well-rounded application to improve your chances of admission. Best of luck!