<p>I personally know two boys within our school district(two separate high schools). On paper, both are identical, both non minority,perfect and near perfect SAT/ACT/SAT subject tests. Both had excellent EC’s, one got into 3 IVY’s, the other none.
Having no info beyond the above given, the one glaring difference between the boys, one accomplished the above completely on his own, the other boy’s future was crafted by parental over involvement. The parent of the boy who was self directed, explained to me in his opinion it was the strength of his interview, and teacher recommendations he received. Speaking to both boys one can EASILY tell why one got in and the other did not.</p>