<p>“would it be correct to conclude from this logic that if two students from the same school apply, the higher ranked one will, almost invariably, beat out the lower ranked student? in my case, my friend is also applying ED: he has a higher rank, lower test scores and a somewhat less rigorous course load, but if columbia is so concerned with perceived competitiveness, it makes sense that they would accept the higher ranked student, in some ways regardless of other less concrete or easily compared factors.”</p>
<p>Absolutely not, at least given your example. A student who has a high GPA mainly as a result of taking easy classes and who has lower standardized test scores is clearly not a more attractive applicant. Admissions officers look specifically at the rigor of the classes you take, not just the rigor of your school as a whole. If your friend had higher standardized test scores, a higher GPA, and took tougher classes than you did, he would probably have a better shot of being admitted. But you still have to consider letters of recommendation (maybe your teachers are really impressed with your academic potential and your class participation, even if you don’t ace every test), extracurricular activities (ECs, work experience, volunteer experience), application essays, and interests/passions. Holistic admissions are incredibly hard to predict because there are simply so many factors that may or may not be valued by different admissions officers depending on the composition of the applicant pool! This is why chance threads are basically useless.</p>