<p>tokenadult: Hi, and thanks for the post. I did think it was notable that you omitted the ethnic heritage and gender of your Applicant. And although I agree with your question and sentiment.. "...can't many real-world applicants find a mark of distinction based on their own efforts that will help them fit into an outstanding school that meets their needs..." I think the answer is yes. Absolutely. However, based on what one reads on the CC boards, the "mark of distinction" and fitting into "an outstanding school" are all relative. I think this hypothetical Applicant could gain admission to a number of "outstanding schools" and most likely be rewarded with equally outstanding scholarships....but I suspect this Applicant and his/her parents will believe that half those schools and scholarships aren't "good enough." So the angst begins... (All this speculation, again, is based on what I read on these boards) :)</p>
<p>Speckledegg: I suspect this Applicant could maintain everything on his resume, drop the SAT to 1450, and still be just as desirable to any "oustanding school."</p>