If private school parents really believe public schools kids applications wind up in "another pile" you are seriously delusional. You really think a university gives a damn where the 50-60k comes from.

The valedectorian at any public has the same chance at a top school as the Val from any private.

Been there done that and FYI

SAT/ACT scores trumps all of it. Those exams are the only determining factor in who gets in and who does not.