Here is an interesting site that provides some insight into the claims about competition 4 campus spots. It does debunk the idea that the competition to get into college has increased markedly over time. It’s not the case for the lions share of schools. but it is the case that these days everyone views themselves as being Harvard worth. And thus that care about having that bumper sticker, there are few impediments to applying. After all, we or our kids are all "gifted"right? https://highereddatastories.blogspot.com/2019/03/varsity-blues-and-real-admissions-data.html