Here's why:
* Rigor of Curriculum: Ivy League schools want to see that you've challenged yourself academically. A high school with strong academic programs and a demanding curriculum provides more opportunities to demonstrate this. A student excelling in a rigorous program is a stronger applicant than a student with similar grades in a less challenging environment.
* Access to Resources: Some high schools offer extensive resources like AP courses, extracurricular opportunities, college counseling, and connections to mentors. These resources can significantly impact your application materials (grades, test scores, essays, recommendations).
* Competition: Highly selective high schools often have a high percentage of students applying to Ivy League schools. This creates a highly competitive environment and, while not a direct factor, can influence the strength of your application relative to peers.
* Recommendation Letters: Strong recommendations from teachers at prestigious or well-regarded high schools can carry more weight. These teachers might have a better understanding of the competitive landscape and can offer stronger insights into your capabilities.
In short: The *name* of your high school is not the deciding factor. However, the opportunities and resources provided by your high school, and how you utilize them to excel, *significantly* impacts your chances of admission to an Ivy League school. A student with excellent grades and impressive achievements from a less prestigious high school can absolutely get into an Ivy League school, but they'll need to demonstrate exceptional academic capabilities and a compelling profile.