In my son’s class, a kid outside the top 25 (they didn’t rank but named the top 25 - something they don’t do today) - that student went to Princeton…how?
The Valedictorian was rejected at Tulane. Attended Vandy.
Most the top 25 attended state flagships or regionals - a few unknown Christian schools like Lee U.
My daughter’s valedictorian with the 36 ACT applied to 16 top 20s. Rejected to all. Goes to UTK.
We are from the wealthiest county in our state and highest rated school district.
I don’t think anyone can dissect enough to determine who gets in and why at the most selective.
And I don’t think anyone should alter their life in hopes of doing so.