Ummmm, my son got into Elon with all C’s and two B’s (school doesn’t rank). I believe early decision, and a private school background (Elon assumes full pay) contributed, but for real, Elon was not a reach. He did not apply to HP, but a classmate did…Shot down at HP, accepted at Elon, waitlisted at Furman but eventually got in. I would be careful about making an assumption about HPU giving out Godiva Chocolates, that has zero reflection on academics - Harvard churns out some serious swag. Elon is a good school for a certain kid, but the constant ‘we’re better than them’ just cheapens things.