<p>socaldad, I absolutely agree with all you said. I think it’s so awesome that kids will be attending from all over the country. I think it’s great that the schools reach is expanding and my D will be going to school with kids from across the country. I believe U del would not accept anyone that does not show the promise or desire to be the student they like to have on campus and that does go beyond the scores. With strong grades and community service I’m sure each one accepted in Ca showed them something special.</p>
<p>I agree you never want to discourage anyone to achieve their dreams! 
that’s why I mentioned doing all the extras to let them know how important it is to the student. Here in NJ my D’s high school was listed in ranking as #176 in the nation last year due to rigor of studies # of Ap’s offered, etc… their class report came out and they had 53 kids apply and 19 accepted. (3 are attending) There were quite a few that were devastated by this news. Aside from Rutgers, U Del is one of the few D1 bigger schools close by. I know many of those kids were strong across the board. Good solid, hardworking smart kids involved in much and IMHO kids that would have been perfect at UD. My heart broke for the few that this was their number 1 choice. I can’t say for sure were how aggressive they were in the application process. Maybe they were on the cusp but just didn’t communicate to UD that the school was their #1 choice. </p>
<p>Also being close by many apply in our area with no intention of attending. They want to have a back up school close by in case their number 1 didn’t come through. So I think admissions may hold back a bit with admissions with the local states to keep their numbers in check. </p>
<p>My purpose for OP was to let them know it may not be a cake walk in but it can happen. You never want to look back and think, “oh if I only interviewed” or “If I only made personal contact” etc… Oh what I wouldn’t do to get an inside look at the admissions process! lol!</p>