The American higher ed system has always been rooted in having a classic liberal arts education. Students need to have an understanding of the world, their place in it, and how to read and write properly. Students at MIT take social studies and history and English. The same is true at many other US colleges known for STEM. A kid who only wants to take science classes doesn’t get an exemption. There are universities in other countries that don’t have such requirements.
No college requires a spike and kids get into Stanford and Harvard with nary a spike to be found. Those colleges are seeking qualities, not spikes.
If your student is aiming for the most selective schools, it is best to ensure your child meets their recommended high school course sequence.
As a side note, given the decline in writing and language skills and lack of historical knowledge many students seem to have at the moment, I hope colleges continue to seek these minimum requirements.