<p>I agree with bluebayou. Based on what I've seen on this board for this year, it's hard for me to consider any school to be a safety or even a match if it has a low acceptance rate. With those schools, it clearly appears to be a buyers market. The friend of the OP had solid stats, but I'm sure that HYPSM, Berkely and Chicago rejected a lot of kids with very similar stats. Granted, they probably accepted a number of other kids with less stellar stats, but as bluebayou notes that would include URM's, athletes, musicians with better credentials, etc.</p>
<p>Now, if this guy really doesn't like UW, there's no reason why he can't transfer. With his stats, and another year to take a more in-depth look at all of the wonderful schools that should have been his matches the first time around, I'm sure he could find a great transfer school. </p>
<p>Or he might fall in love with UW.</p>