<p>From what I've learned in my hunt to be at the top, I've figured out that you NEVER know what admissions officers in top colleges are looking for. Ever. You won't ever know, and that's that. I doubt anyone here, even if they're an alumni of that school, could even make a generalization on if they have a better chance at getting in than most people.
So many top students apply to these schools, that they probably look for people who AREN'T obsessed with a shopping list of ECs and "leadership." I don't know how many times it needs to be repeated, but they look for kids with not only stellar grades and test scores, but UNIQUENESS. They need something that defines their creativity and something that proves that they're not the run-of-the-mill, "oh, I have a 4.0 GPA, 2300+ SAT, 200+ volunteer service, and a million ECs in which I have leadership positions in"
I can guarantee you that what they want is someone who, when they do something amazing, don't think, "this is gonna look good on my applications!"</p>
<p>Almost everyone who asks for chances on this board really have the same chance of anyone else. When it comes down to it, it's a lucky draw. So stop worrying so much, and enjoy life. Hell, doing that will probably up your chances of getting in greatly.</p>