Many students believe that having near-perfect stats is all they need to get them into any school of their choice. While near-perfect stats are required for top institutions, they are not always sufficient for highly selective schools. In today’s episode, we talk about how admissions is not always a math equation and how other factors determine whether you get an acceptance or rejection.

Top 20-50 schools, some have single digit admissions rates. 

Reverses about by the time you reach #100 or so to where 80-90+% of students get in

High stats and scores are required but not sufficient for top, selective schools– also looking for unique, interesting, and impactful applicants that meet their institutional priorities (talent (athletes, music, etc), majors, geography, full pay/meet need. 

40K+ valedictorians and not even 40K spots TOTAL at HYPS GPAs can be recalculated and calibrated depending on your school and your coursework– standardized test scores might be required or strongly preferred– or not considered at all (at test blind schools). Ensure that you’re not just chasing prestige and ignoring the other criteria that are important: academics (specifically in your major), finances (though sometimes highly selective schools can end up being a better financial fit/opportunity than even state schools), fit, location, and everything else.