AA said:
the potential problem with high performing IUSD is that it is very hard to get A's. Whereas lower performing schools it is much easier to get A's. so kids from lower performing high schools that get 4.0's get into all the good colleges. So YES IUSD schools do backfire. College admissions offices do not rate high schools.....a 4.0 gpa is all the same to them. I learned a costly lesson about this.
I am on the alumni interview committee for an Ivy and the committee and admissions officers are definitely aware of which high schools are stronger and where the A's are more meaningful. A high GPA from a well known and respected feeder school is going to carry more weight. Also, the committee likes to see that students are pursuing more difficult courses in an area of deep interest, rather than taking all easy classes trying to fluff up their resume.
