<p>Valedictorian (female) at my schools was wait listed at Cornell engineering, yet I got in (salutatorian at application, #3 as of end of 1st semester). I had better ECs, I had unique essays. I worked with the best writer I know to make sure the effect was exactly what needed to happen for them to be effective.</p>
<p>Valedictorian denied from other ivies, wait listed at Harvard and is going. Not sure how that happens, but it did. It’s a crap shoot. </p>
<p>I also talked with the music professors and got them to notice me, I think one actually handed a personal recommendation to the admissions office. It’s all about setting yourself apart.</p>