<p>It would go to reason, sstewart: that this hypothetical student would be at the bottom rungs, academically, at any Ivy. While no one would say it’s impossible to “do substantially well”, I would posit that it’s not very likely.</p>
<p>Viable Ivy aspirants should be known as the top scholars at their high schools by the faculty and administration – that’s what I say at my college info sessions. By implication, those that aren’t known as such – really aren’t viable candidates in general.</p>
<p>Also, in regards to the “celebs” like Olympians and actors who get into Ivies: have you seen what their HS records were? Emma and Sarah Hughes were practically 4.0 students. There are tons of actors and Olympians who don’t qualify and do not get in. Don’t think Jodie Foster, Claire Danes and Sarah Hughes were knuckleheads.</p>