<p>Val at our school, also a NMS winner, took a very aggressive courseload. Involved in academic EC's (Math team, mock trial)...did NOT get accepted at any Ivies. Sal is going to Cornell...he did a sport (only one) but had outstanding commitment to another EC both in and out of school that also was not academic (music). I would guess that in some cases the Ivies are looking for students who do not JUST have academic tunnel vision....in other words, kids who study study study, and do ECs that are study, study study.</p>