<p>My math/science kid was deferred and eventually rejected from MIT and Caltech, but accepted at Harvard where he didn't apply EA. My theory is that comp sci nerds are a dime a dozen at those other places. And Harvard might have liked that on paper he looks more well rounded than he is. (Top CR score, top scores and grades in history.)</p>
<p>My son is an ISEF finalist and Discovery Challenge winner, with a declared interest in enginering and he got in.</p>