<p>Admissions is random to some degree among the 12 or 15 colleges, but more predictable as you move down the USNWR rankings. The advice on CC includes practical advice on how to apply, strategic advice about how to look like a good applicant, and warnings about how nuts that admissions is at the super-elite colleges. I think admissions does look random at the super-elite colleges because of how they are trying to form a freshman class. About half of the people at the super-elite colleges are exactly the kind of people you would expect to be there. About one in four people walking around the HYP got either a 1590 or a 1600 on the SAT. The mean SAT score is around 1500, but the median score is probably much higher. On the other hand, HYP knows that they can't have all the students be like that because society would hate them and withdraw support. Thus, the fill out the rest of the class with outstanding people, but still with lower stats. (Only 40-45% of people with 1600/1600 SAT scores are admitted to Harvard.) Then they have a high degree of grade inflation to hide the disparity once people are admitted. Also, they just don't have room for everybody. For everybody accepted, there are 4 or 5 applicants who are the guy's virtual twin. I hope this doesn't sound too cynical, but they are just trying to deal with the situation themselves.</p>
<p>Daderoo is right about transfers. They don't want to give you college credits for classes that you took at "lesser" schools. If you aren't accepted, get on with your life.</p>
<p>Activity has died down on the threads for the seniors. I think there are more juniors now.</p>