<p>5) Thousands of applicants who make it past first round, will have perfect or near perfect records for all 4 years. “Near perfect” generally means, oh, maybe one B, from 9th on, maybe two, usually in a class not related to their potential major. That’s not to say you can’t have a 3rd B, maybe in Driver’s Ed, but this is what “fiercely competitive” means. Adcoms can and will cherry-pick. </p>
<p>6) The competition’s rigor will often include a jumpstart in 9th- it’s not uncommon to see, eg, physics and pre-calc in 9th (with A’s,) so the kid can get in the highest level APs over the next years. For STEM, a start in robotics, math-sci competitions, plus sports, something else at hs, community work and then outside research. What adcoms feel is required, plus a satisfying sense you have a diversity of legit interests you pursued and will likely continue to pursue and/or that you are the sort who will try others. </p>
<p>7) Contrary to CC, it’s not the number of APs but their relevance and challenge- and your performance, in terms of grade and AP score. So, it’s about both your judgment and your execution. AP Enviro and AP stats, eg, in no way replace more strenuous courses (even if you are majoring in enviro.) Harvard actually covers this, on the website.</p>
<p>8) Character counts. The strength of your critical thinking and analyical skills. Maturity, judgment, perspective- and real likeability.</p>
<p>So, who will they cherry-pick? Look, there are many, many breaks in life- a coach who puts you on a team because you try so hard, though your skills are low; a teacher who nominated you for “most improved” because she likes you; a job you get because it’s Friday and they want this resolved asap. Ivy admissions are not about lucky breaks.</p>
<p>It doesn’t matter if anyone knows a kid who doesn’t seem to fit this- or feels his or her own picture didn’t. The holistic process is organic. The adcoms thought you had enough of what they want and need. And like.</p>