When a parent at a college admissions seminar asks me which local high schools are the best, they never like the answer—high schools don’t get kids into college; kids who make the most of what their high school offers get themselves in. 

I understand their disappointment.  Every good parent wants to make the right decisions about their kids’ futures, and it would be a lot easier if I could point them to one high school that does the best job of sending kids on to selective colleges.  But education and college admissions don’t work that way. 

You can send your student to an expensive private school with an extensive offering of AP/IB classes, full-time college counselors, and bevy of extracurricular activities for kids.  But a student who doesn’t take advantage of all those benefits won’t be in a better college admissions position four years from now than the motivated, intellectually curious kid who went to his assigned public school, worked hard and contributed in class, made a positive impression on his teachers and counselor, and spent four happy years playing on the tennis team.  Hard-working, intellectual, nice kids stand out no matter where they go. 

Are all high schools created equal?  Of course not.  But we have seen no difference in the college admission success of our public school kids vs. those at private schools.  Find the school that you think fits your student’s strengths.  Here’s a past post with some criteria to consider.  

And if you aren’t in a position to choose a high school, don’t worry.  Encourage your student to work hard, engage in his classes, and find activities he enjoys.  As long as he applies for admission to the right colleges, you’re bound to like many of the answers.