<p>I have reviewing the actual results and It may just be me but I've noticed a trend of high 3.9s and 4.0s not being accepted to Top Ivies while 3.8s and 3.7s are accepted at a higher (albeit still low) rate. My hypothesis is that you must work many more hours extra to get that extra .1-.2 not leaving anytime for ECs which are often the difference maker. Has anyone else noticed this?</p>
<p>Ofc, but those kids with 3.7 and 3.8 probably go to very competitive schools where getting an A may difficult, and there ACT and SAT must be top notch. But for the rest of the schools that aren’t competitive, that .1 GPA wil make more difference than if you joined Science team and got treasurer for 2 years…</p>
<p>There ACTs and SATs were good but not like REALLY good. It really varied from student-student.</p>
<p>You are drawing broad conclusions based on unverified, anecdotal information.</p>
<p>I would surmise that top students do not make conscious decisions to cut back five or more hours of homework each week so they can spend more time on an EC. Rather, these students are passionate and energized about what they are doing, regardless of whether it is school work, athletic endeavor or other activity. They do many things well, but their priorities are reflected in how they spend their time.</p>
<p>I have boy/girl twins who will both be freshmen at highly selective universities this fall. They both enjoyed doing well in their classes as well as their other activities, but never sat down to budget their time. DD enjoyed her school work a bit more and ended up Valedictorian. DS was close to her academically, but he simply enjoyed other things that he was involved with (three sports, engineering projects, etc.) slightly more. This pattern was also present with their friends who were successful in highly selective admissions.</p>