However, not getting the “most demanding” schedule indication is probably a severe disadvantage to the applicant.
I.e. getting the “most demanding” schedule indication *and other top indications on the counselor report/i is probably necessary but not sufficient for an applicant without a large “hook” to be admitted to the most selective colleges using the counselor report. A similar thing can be said for such things as GPA/rank, test scores, etc. – being top-end in any is not sufficient for admission, but not being top-end in any is likely to be a defect that keeps the applicant from getting admitted.