<p>The most competitive subgroup for all these highly competitive schools is to be a non-URM, female, over represented region, college educated parents, not wanting to major in math or science. If you’re in that group, you can take the overall admit rate and reduce by a large percentage and gauge chances accordingly. This is how students like the OP are denied or waitlisted at schools where they seem to be qualified or even overly-qualified. It’s simply a numbers game. An exceptional Why Oberlin or Common App essay can make a huge difference where so many applicants are essentially the same.</p>
<p>By the way, I learned of this situation from the college counselor at my daughter’s school. It was not news I particularly relished hearing, but that is just the way it is out there now. This is why my daughter was advised strongly to apply to one or two “eye level” schools to which she would be excited to attend. They’ve even discontinued using the “safety” label because it attaches a negative connotation to what might be a student’s only or best choice.</p>