Feeling inadequate compared to other applicants

Honestly, chances for a “top” school are slim for EVERYONE except the highly recruited, “pointy” kid.

You need to understand that schools admit kids for reasons we will never understand. In my daughters acceptance letter they talked about aspects of her interview that had ZERO to do with her accomplishments and everything to do with her Innate personality.

Apply to a range of schools. You need to do this if you really want to go to BS.

Realize that school rankings are largely viewed as a joke by people “in the know.” Also realize those rankings change frequently and for no apparent reason.