<p>mishtophoid: If you were referring to me, I was just reiterating the common wisdom here on CC that "unhooked" applicants should have SATs near, at, or above the 75th percentile at any given school. Same with gpa. Since I didn't spot any "hook" in your OP (maybe I missed it!), I thought I should mention that to you.</p>
<p>In any event, my S is missing a "hook," and we are pretty much sticking to the near, at, or above SAT percentile advice, except for maybe two reaches.</p>