<p>I agree with all of these posts. My son is going to Emory - accepted at Johns Hopkins accidentally - because we rescinded on all apps. after his Emory ED II acceptance. Somehow JH missed it. He wanted a D III school because of mulitple sports and a non-recruit. He has all the stuff - was not the top in anything except sports at a very small private school. I believe he was accepted at Emory because he presented as a real person - not just doing academics, sports, community service, camp counselor, etc. to get into college. His one essay - which was very difficult for him to write - was about being assaulted at an inner city basketball court where he thought he was playing a friendly 3 on 3 spur of the moment game. He wrote about racial problems and how he wants to continue to improve in his own way - these horrible situations. </p>
<p>It was a moving essay which I believe took him to another level in terms of person.. He also went to Emory with his Dad, met (fluke) the Dir. of Admissions and had a great conversation with him. When he returned he knew this was the school he wanted and wrote a very personal "Emory" essay. It was from the heart and one could tell reading it. I know he was one of many great candidates. </p>
<p>Pick some schools you know you would be happy with and go after them. He had 8 other schools if Emory had not worked. Show major interest and write your essays about something really unusual - they already know your grades, Ecs. Good luck!</p>