<p>To answer your question, in my town, the answer is virtually an unequivocal "yes" for HYP and S. I know of only one person in 5 years, including all the vals and sals and 1600/2400 SATs who was admitted to HYPS without being a potential college varsity athlete.</p>
<p>There have been admissions to other Ivies of students with other ECs.</p>