<p>About the subjective part:</p>
<p>That is one thing I definitely noticed in this last wave of ED applicants in 09 thus far.</p>
<p>I used to see top colleges as evil, cold, heartless institutions whose doors were open exclusively to those who’ve had their lives handed on a platter to them by their parents. All those kids who were able to take the $100 /hr Tennis or Fencing lessons, had test prep payed for, went through an over-priced private education system,etc. In essence, exactly what George W. Bush was as a child.</p>
<p>The admission of this kid to Boston College that I mentioned earlier, basically threw my theory out the door. He was a good student, no doubt, but I can guarantee you his SAT/GPA was probably below mid-range when compared to past/other ED applicants. BUT, he had one very unique EC which he did entirely by HIMSELF, not something his daddy put together and stamped the kid’s name on it.</p>