truth about getting into yale?

I have a few preconceived notions about how admissions work for Yale or for any school and I’d like to know if they’re valid.

I’ve strayed away from the mindset and belief that there are certain things that automatically get in you, or things that automatically get you rejected if you don’t have it on your application. Recently, I’ve believed that in terms of stats, once you pass a certain benchmark of “Oh, this kid did well in high school and would objectively do well in college academics,” it’s up to your ECs, letters, essays, and who you are. I feel like the idea of a school looking at who you are as a person, what you can offer to the school and what from that school you’d benefit from, and overall fit matter a lot more than I’ve thought for a long time.

Is this the case?

If it is the case, what are those benchmarks? Do you need a 4.0, a 1600? What if your stats are painfully average but you feel that the subjective aspects of your application are strong and unique?

Sorry for all the questions and thank you so much in advance to anyone who’s able to answer them. And to the 2023 applicants - good luck! I’m rooting for you

Have you looked at the admissions data published by Yale?
https://admissions.yale.edu/sites/default/files/class_profile_2022.pdf

The common data contains the best information. Keep in mind that students at or below the 25th percentile for stats usually have a very strong hook.