There’s a target stats bar and then the reality that some kids won’t hit it, but still are totally compelling candidates. An MIT rep, eg, said (before the New SAT, which raises epxectations,) that anything with a 7 in front and they know you can do the work at MIT. But people still think they need 800s. Then, miss the rest that’s vitally important. And that rest is what makes your chances decent or “next to zero.”
First pass in an admission read IS what cuts the number of apps roughly in half.
I get that it’s easier to understand if they would only lay it all out for you. But that’s not the sort of kids they look for.
The “Academic Index” IS a fixed formula, among all Ivies.
Yale says, “…academic strength is our first consideration in evaluating any candidate.” It doesn’t say it’s the end all and be all. But people interpret it as such- as a hierarchical measure that can push you forward, despite what’s lacking. It does not mean your stats and rigor top all other considerations and with that, you should be a lock.
How hard is it to match yourself to a top college on more than stats? Not that hard, if you’ve done your due diligence on the college. Not a gimme, but they’re looking for kids who can find the pieces and put them together, show them in their record and the app/supp. And kids who fully understand a single digit admit rate means, no matter what, your chances are slim.