We live in a notoriously competitive HS district, and I have to say I can’t remember ever hearing ‘we are applying just to see if she can get in.’
Is it possible that what is really meant is ‘we know it is an unrealistic long shot, but we are keeping the option open just in case.’?
Because anyone who takes pride in being accepted to Yale would likely take 100x that amount of pride in graduating from Yale.
So I really think these people, to the extent they really exist, actually would consider attending if there is an acceptance with affordable FA award.
FWIW, when DS was accepted to one of his matches, he pulled his app from a good safety that was no longer in consideration. I said, “you probably just turned some kid’s waitlist letter into an acceptance letter.” Felt good.