<p>^^ As for the rank/valedictorian discussion, I don’t personally know the stats but I found it interesting that the Crimson would publish that sentence. You stated that rank, GPA and SAT’s are only part of the picture. That should come as no surprise. If rank were the only thing that Harvard cared about, they could fill their entire incoming class with Valedictorians yet they chose not to. At the same time, I get the impression that they are partial to high ranks. (D is coming home for some quiet reading period time this evening. I’ll try and remember to ask her for her observations.)</p>
<p>On another topic, Harvard does send out athletic likely letters. A girl at D’s HS, a year ahead of her, HS received one.</p>