Do Colleges Dislike Certain High Schools?

It’s a question I hear more often than you’d think—from students, parents, teachers, and sadly, independent college counselors: “Is it true that colleges don’t like our high school?”

This belief tends to surface when students from a particular school aren’t getting into highly selective colleges, or when a few cycles in a row go by without any big-name acceptances. But let’s clear the air: colleges do not blacklist or “dislike” specific high schools. That’s a myth. I once heard another college counselor tell my student that a specific college never takes students from their high school, and 11 students enrolled that year!

Where This Myth Comes From

Sometimes, a high school doesn’t have a long track record of sending students to top-tier colleges. Other times, students hear rumors like, “No one from our school ever gets into [insert college].” It’s easy to interpret that pattern as rejection of the school itself, but in reality, admissions decisions are far more nuanced.

What’s Actually True

Colleges evaluate students in the context of their high school. Admissions officers don’t expect a student from a small public school with limited AP courses to have the same transcript as someone from a competitive prep school. They use a document called the school profile to understand what courses are offered, how grades are weighted, and what’s considered “challenging” at that specific school.

So instead of asking, “Did this student take the most rigorous curriculum available nationwide?”, they ask, “Did this student challenge themselves within the context of their school?”

Why Some Schools Seem to Have Better Results

There are certainly high schools that send many students to top colleges each year, usually large public schools in affluent districts or private schools with dedicated college counseling offices. These schools often have:

• More advanced coursework

• More extracurricular and leadership opportunities

• Stronger relationships with admissions offices

• Robust application support

  
  

But that doesn’t mean students from other schools are at a disadvantage. Colleges often value applicants who rise to the top in under-resourced or lesser-known schools.

What Can Impact Admissions (That Isn’t "Bias")

Colleges do track how students from certain schools perform once admitted. If, over time, students from a particular high school consistently underperform academically or drop out, that may influence how cautiously admissions officers read future applications. But again, it’s not personal—it’s data-driven.

On the flip side, if students from your school have been admitted and thrived on campus, that could boost the reputation of your school in the eyes of admissions officers.

Bottom Line

There’s no secret list of “disliked” high schools. Admissions offices are looking for students who are curious, motivated, and ready to take on the challenges of college, wherever they come from.

If you're worried that your high school may put you at a disadvantage, focus instead on what you can control:

• Challenge yourself academically

• Pursue meaningful activities

• Craft thoughtful, authentic applications

• Get strong letters of recommendation

• Seek help from counselors, teachers, or independent advisors

  
  

And remember, your high school is part of your story—but it doesn’t define your potential.

As an independent college counselor based in Fairfield County, CT, I help students strategically navigate the college admissions process, with a deep understanding that colleges evaluate applicants within the context of their high school. From building balanced college lists to crafting compelling personal narratives, I work closely with families to highlight each student’s strengths, achievements, and growth. Whether it’s choosing the right courses, planning meaningful summer experiences, or developing a personalized application strategy, I provide clear, step-by-step guidance so your student feels confident, prepared, and ready to stand out—no matter where they go to high school. Let’s make the admissions process less stressful and more rewarding—schedule a call with me today to get started!