<p>There are no secret formulas. Kids with GREAT stats do not get in and kids with lower stats do. It is all about the application as a whole. I do think the essays tell the whole picture. What do you have to add to the mix of the incoming class? There are a ton of kids with great SAT and 4.0 GPA but you need to demonstrate passion in a particular area. Recommendations: 1 counselor and 2 teachers. The ortho…not sure it is relevant unless you are going in to dentistry. Being Pres. of NHS is good. Good luck.</p>