<p>I agree with gravitas2. In the past 3 years at my son’s school I mentioned above, about 15 kids per year apply to assorted ivies, all with appropriate test scores and grades and ECs. The only ones who have gotten in have some extraordinary accomplishment at the national level, plus two legacies with good records plus one through Questbridge. The college advisors there are rethinking how to proceed with upcoming students, because the “ordinary” great kids don’t have much success any more.</p>