<p>My D is a BWRK. She was accepted to 6 Ivies, top LACs, etc. Good SATs but not perfect. Strong classes including college summers. The key was her writing as presented in her essay. She had one meeting with an independent college counselor that was recruiting business by meeting with local HS seniors. She was roundly criticized for her college list (too many reaches). When the counselor read her essay, her only comment was "that's the kind of essay that might get you in". The dean of admissions at Williams felt strongly enough about it to hand write her a letter about her essay. Many others included personal comments. She did not write about ECs or accomplishments that were noted elsewhere in her application. She did write about a personal passion that was related to her academic work.</p>