<p>I don’t think that 100 pts will make or break an acceptance decision. I think what Joanne was trying to get across in the article was the need to be realistic in terms of what is truly a reach for an applicant, vrs what would be a “miracle” acceptance. I think this phrase sums it up best-
“If your grades and test scores are not squarely in line with the profile of the most recently admitted class, OR you do not have an unusual talent OR come from a particular set of circumstances, you are wasting your time.”
“Squarely in line with the profile of MOST recently accepted students” is the key phrase for most applicants, IMO. She has been a private college counselor for many years in the Bay Area, and I believe what she is trying to do is make students, and their parents think before encouraging them to send in the “hail Mary” application. Yes, nothing ventured, nothing gained, but these days, as admissions at many colleges have become very competative, students should be paying particular attention to applying to colleges where they are likely to be accepted, instead of applying to schools where they are most likely to be declined. Just my 2 cents.</p>