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<p>Erin’s Dad - what I’m trying to say is that being Val or Sal of your class isn’t a must if you want to get in. Does it help? Sure. But if you’re a URM, or come from an underrepresented state, or have won nationally in a competition, or write incredibly moving essays that truly stand out, you might get into Stanford with less-than-perfect academic stats. Athletic recruits aren’t the only ones who accomplish that feat.</p>