for 90% of those admitted to top 10 or 20 schools, they work hard and are smart but have luck as well. I knew a student got over 15 AP courses with mostly 5s still can’t get in one of those school. Not to mentioned great EC and high GPAs. How do we justify the wait list on Stanford is not as good as the median who get in Stanford? If you don’t believe in luck,here’s another word for you, predestination! Don’t get me wrong, you still need to work hard and be a smart student at first place. But don’t feel bad when you don’t get into the school you want. Those schools never be sorry about not getting you in. Don’t attach too much on those schools.