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Common Data Set · Section C7

Which colleges consider class rank in admissions?

Of the 143 colleges with Common Data Set filings in Trajecta's dataset, 46 rate class rank very important in their admissions decisions, 30 rate it important, 36 considered, and 31 say it is not considered — as self-reported in each school's CDS section C7 ("Class rank").

What "Class rank" means

Class rank is your position in your graduating class by GPA, reported as a rank or a percentile. Many high schools no longer report rank at all, so colleges increasingly treat it as optional context from the school profile rather than a core factor. Some large public universities still use rank directly, including in percentage-based automatic-admission policies.

Very Important46 colleges, sorted by Trajecta rank

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Important30 colleges, sorted by Trajecta rank

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Considered36 colleges, sorted by Trajecta rank

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Not Considered31 colleges, sorted by Trajecta rank

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Class rank: frequently asked questions

Does class rank still matter for college admissions?

Less than it used to. Many high schools have stopped ranking students, and most private colleges now list class rank low in their Common Data Set C7 grid. It matters most at some large public universities, where rank can feed automatic-admission or scholarship formulas.

What if my high school does not rank students?

Colleges will not penalize you. Your counselor’s school profile tells admissions offices that the school does not rank, and readers rely on your GPA, course rigor, and grade trends instead.

Which colleges consider class rank in admissions?

Of the 143 colleges with Common Data Set filings in Trajecta's dataset, 46 rate class rank very important in admissions, 30 rate it important, 36 considered, and 31 say it is not considered. Colleges rating it very important include Princeton University, Stanford University, Rice University, Yale University, Johns Hopkins University.

Other admission factors

Rigor of secondary school recordAcademic GPAStandardized test scoresApplication essayRecommendation(s)InterviewExtracurricular activitiesTalent/abilityCharacter/personal qualitiesFirst generationAlumni/ae relationGeographical residenceState residencyReligious affiliation/commitmentVolunteer workWork experienceLevel of applicant's interest
All admission factors

Ratings are self-reported by each college in its Common Data Set, section C7. Every school links to its full data page. Explore the college rankings →