Behind all this, I don’t think a kid should entertain applying to highly selectives with no idea what matters. Or what the college is about. That’s elementary research. Assuming can be deadly. And CC thrives on the stories of random kids who do get in, despite some lacking. But the reality is, you want to better your own chances, not leave this to chance, not go with the simplistic, “If you don’t apply, you won’t know.”
High school has one scheme for being a Top Dawg. Do well, be popular, lead some things, win some awards. The colleges are a different game, an admissions contest.