<p>what are the chances of a solid student (4.3, competitive nationally ranked soccer, triathlete, tutor, blah can keep going) who is not quite la creme de la creme of getting into some place like Stanford (If they were to excel in their intended area of study in school and other classroom settings)?</p>
<p>I got into NYU with a 3.4 GPA. I know it's not as competitive as Stanford, but I still think it proves that perfection isn't necessary for a really competitive school. I don't think colleges expect you to be perfect, you just need to have passion and they'll recognize that. So be yourself in high school and do what you want to do. Don't do stuff you aren't interested in simply because it looks good on an application. That's my $.02</p>
<p>In a nutshell, I'd say it's very possible.</p>
<p>whats making you think you're not a top tier student. I definitely think you have a legitimate chance with good essays, ec's and reccomendations.</p>