Does high school ranking impact education outcomes?
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Introduction
The impact of high school ranking on educational outcomes has been a subject of extensive research. This synthesis aims to consolidate findings from multiple studies to understand how a student's rank within their high school cohort influences their educational attainment and long-term success.
Key Insights
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Higher Rank and Educational Attainment:
- Students with a higher ordinal rank in high school are more likely to finish high school and attend college .
- Higher-ranked students tend to have better long-term outcomes, including higher subsequent test scores, increased likelihood of taking AP classes, and higher earnings later in life.
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Psychological and Perceptual Effects:
- Students with a higher rank have higher expectations about their future careers and perceive themselves as more intelligent.
- Higher rank in the class positively affects students' grade point averages and reduces the probability of switching programs in university.
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School Quality and Context:
- The quality of the high school, including factors like average daily attendance, school promotion rate, and parental involvement, significantly predicts educational outcomes and even long-term health outcomes.
- High school context, including socioeconomics, academic preparation, and access to parent, peer, and college-linking networks, plays a crucial role in promoting college enrollment.
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Rankings and College Admissions:
- Institutional rankings, such as those by U.S. News and World Report, impact admission outcomes and pricing decisions at universities, affecting the socioeconomic and racial demographics of highly ranked institutions.
- Higher education rankings influence student access, choice, and opportunities post-graduation, including placement success and earnings.
Conclusion
The research consistently shows that a higher rank in high school significantly enhances educational outcomes, including high school completion, college attendance, and long-term earnings. Psychological factors, such as self-perception and career expectations, are also positively influenced by higher rank. Additionally, the quality and context of the high school environment play a critical role in shaping these outcomes. Institutional rankings further impact college admissions and post-graduation opportunities, highlighting the multifaceted influence of ranking on educational trajectories.
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