<p>The only thing I’d add to your list is the absence of negative factors-no crazy parents, discipline problems or wildly unrealistic expectations. These can kill an application no matter how well qualified a candidate may otherwise be.</p>
<p>Schools are trying to build a community of learners. They’re looking for students who will contribute to that community in positive ways. The kid who will make the biggest impact is not always the one with the highest SSATs.</p>