Well, you can always apply but there’s no guarantees. The kids from our school that have gotten into Stanford have done crazy things. But during the covid period, who knows what they’re looking for.
There are a few programs you don’t have to apply to the CS major which is nice. A school like UT-Austin (not on your list) has a fantastic CS program, but you have to apply to the major, and it’s not only difficult to get in, it’s difficult to switch unless you’re going into some generic liberal arts or science major. It’s really hard to change majors to CS. Other schools you don’t even go in as CS major and then declare after sophomore year.
Can’t say that about Northwestern and demonstrated interest. We live about 20 mins away and have never heard that. But maybe for OOS that is true. The last few years the kids that have gotten in to Northwestern from our school during ED at least have all had 4.0 unweighted and those during RD not quite so. My son is applying there but only if he doesn’t get into his RD school. It’s not really high on his list because it’s so close but it’s a great school. Their CS program (which is what he’s applying for) isn’t tops but the location will open doors, but I think he would rather go to UIUC over Northwestern since their program is nationally ranked.