Weaker signal, more noise - the dilemma(s) of the highly selective college in the current age

Selective schools are looking to assemble an interesting class. It is about the mix, not the individual. Noone has mentioned music, theater, art or writing but those talents matter too. And the Ivies tend to emphasize “character” and “ability to overcome obstacles.” I think the academic stats have to meet a certain benchmark and after that it is about a lot of other things.