<p>I think that it is a rationalization, in fact a delusion to say that the process at Stanford, and elsewhere, is random. As Marlgirl said, spend time at Stanford, get to know your fellow students, and you will realize that they don't pick names out of a hat. Remember that the adcom sees a lot more than you do, don't conclude that a 1600 you know who got denied proves randomness, at least until you've actually read his application.</p>