<p>I wonder if it's arrogance or trying to instill a dose of realism. Earlier, we did an admission session at one of the very most selective LACs. The tour (specially for us as we knew a student there) was absolutely wonderful. It made us all salivate. Then we went to the admission session. I was a bit turned off by the "it's very hard to get in" message, repeated several times. But in retrospect, it was a very useful message for the dean of admissions to convey. It was not in the least inaccurate. </p>
<p>So if HYPSM adreps convey the message that only around 10% of applicants get in, is that arrogance or a gentle reminder that getting admitted there will be hard and that applicants should consider applying elsewhere as well?</p>