Actually if you look at the Common Data Set it shows for Case that Interest is “Considered” (as opposed to Very Important or Important. I don’t think they defer overqualified students either…I think there are just very many very qualified students and they need to round out the class.
My son was Accepted EA for Aerospace Engineering!
SAT: 1450 / 760M
ACT: 32
Weighted GPA: 4.8
OOS
$20K/year X 4
He has a lot of extracurriculars including regional orchestra, athletics, and community service.
He got a PS: in his acceptance letter as well (very nice touch by Admissions).