<p>^ Re: Ivies and other very-most-selective schools: I seriously think we have to re-examine the cast a wide net concept, as it pertains to them. There are top performers (academic and otherwise, wise enough to craft a great application) who can rightly apply to many or all Ivies. Among the national competition, they have the goods and cannot count on predictable results when final decisions are made.</p>
<p>But the more modest performers, slower out of the starting gate, who can’t show the levels of energy, vision, drive, commitment and results that top colleges cherry pick? Why? Their energy and hope will likely pay a better dividend if invested wisely. </p>
<p>Yes, “the high student intelligence and motivation at these schools can be a major attraction.” But, the kid has to show he has a rightful place in a competitive college, prove it in all parts of the CA, show it’s been a pattern over time. It has to ring with those adcoms, not just be another horse in the race.</p>
<p>most applicants with competitive stats for top colleges do write strong essays… Not necessarily. You’d be surprised. Even top hs kids have very little experience crafting such an imortant application or writing, other than for hs classes. Many fall back on what worked in hs classes.</p>