<p>dp, In theory, yes - but scattergrams or no scattergrams, at this point in the echo boom cycle the problem is precisely that many people, including GCs, are stymied when it comes to deciphering the meaning behind the stats or predicting the odds for admission. </p>
<p>With holistic admissions, colleges actively recruit prospective students and invite applications from what they hope will be an ever wider range of qualified candidates world-wide. How else might that eye-popping log roller or yodeler or star debater turn up? Yes, stat profiles are available, and one hopes a modicum of reasonable college counseling lights the way when it comes to "fit" - both in terms of college campus culture as well as academic qualifications, as AdOfficer so cogently pointed out. But these days, the main point remains: stats are only part of the story. </p>
<p>Of course, there will always be those out there with stars in their eyes and a hope springs eternal attitude (I am giving a wide berth here to unrealistic arrogance) who will apply to an elite in spite of, or to spite, recommendations to the contrary. That is just part of the system.</p>