@intparent makes a very good point. Especially for highly selective schools, the “dream school” is a dangerous concept as admissions are quite unpredictable.Think about why that school is the dream and find several others that your kid could be equally happy with.
S didn’t get in to his top choice but many of of his positive results had much in common with the dream school so he is quite happy with his choice and experience. Turns out, in many respects it’s actually a better fit.