<p>Is it often the case that "perfect applicants" (high standardized test scores, valedictorian, start group worth 250k+, tons of awards for academics/leadership, lots of leadership positions, tons of volunteer work, fantastic rec letters/essays/interview, courted for full-rides with other perks by very top us public schools) don't get likely letters? I'm wondering if non-athletic likely letters are typically for the applicants who have 2400s and 800s on lots of subject tests or the applicants who have excellent standardized test scores, but not quite that good, and tons of extracurricular/academic accomplishments and awards (so basically, is it hunting for applicants with super-high test scores to increase the school's average test scores or not)? Also, for regular applicants, when are they sent out typically and how many non-athletic ones are sent? Thanks! </p>
<p>Go to the Resources sticky thread, 4th link down is about Likely Letters.</p>
<p>They are a valuable marketing tool. Schools will send them to kids they really covet and know competitors will as well. What is the formula? 9 out of 10 posts to this site are basically discussing this exact subject.</p>
<p>In the end: who knows?</p>
<p>For Yale, non-athletic likely letters most frequently go to people who have demonstrated outstanding abilities in STEM.</p>