@Postmodern. I said earlier, the B “may also not be competitive for these elites. Nor the “A” in a less rigorous class.”
Hughes saying, “want to see students perform at the highest levels possible” doesn’t tell me it means take the higher level and get a B. Keyword is really “perform.” And, " If that meant getting a few B’s in AP courses, I would prefer those results every time" says zip about admit chances. He’d like to see a kid taking on the challenge, sure. Then more.
“far better off challenging themselves than playing it safe…”
I agree, in principle,raised my kids with this in mind. But that’s not any assurance in such a competitive pool for elite admissions. And, he may be more desirable than the kid who slacks off on rigor. But what would make him more desirable for an admit when so many took the rigor and got the higher grades?
As for ND, you still have to meet a mark. There are no gimmes. (Except some athletes, sigh.)