<p>hmom5 is correct. I attend an Ivy League school. I have worked in the admissions office and the published statistics don’t tell the real story. If a school states that it accepts 15% of its applications, this number includes students who are “hooked,” have connections to the school, are well-known, are great athletes, etc. The percentage for unhooked applicants accepted to the school is much lower. </p>
<p>Also keep in mind that not all “unhooked” applicants are viewed the same. For example, if you’re from a state that is not represented by the current student body, or if your home situation is unusual, or if you accomplished something interesting, then you may get the nod for the committee when someone with better scores is rejected. </p>
<p>My advice is to seek the path less travelled. So many high school students look identical on paper. Each has hundreds of EC hours, EC leadership, good grades, and good test scores. Many of their essays sound similar as well (and so few are “killer”). For the most part, the vast majority of these “cookie-cutter” applicants are rejected in favor of applicants who are a bit different from the norm. Colleges like interesting applicants. If I were “unhooked,” I would do my best in school and on standardized tests, but then I would pursue a single interest, something uncommon that I truly enjoy doing. I would then pursue that interest with passion throughout high school. I would forget being a leader in the Key Club, NHS, the Debate Club, Moot Court, etc. and focus on my unusual passion. You’d be surprised how much you would stick out.</p>