<p>Dear Cafelalo,
HYPS are definitely finicky and since almost all the kids applying are way above typical, they do have their pick of top candidates. I mean finicky, in that they are trying to build a student body mix, which may or not include you. They might want someone like you, but already have 136 of your type, so the prize goes to the gal from South Dakota, or perhaps the chap who did crew in high school, even if you are also well qualified. They just don’t have enough spots to fill the need.
My son split the Ivies on his admits with 2A & 2R [and also was waitlisted at another Ivy, which he declined] which was a good showing given the competative nature of the game. But none of them were a given. He totally busted in every way to get accepted, scored well on SATs, extra Subject Tests [800s or near on every one], and APs, and wrote about 2 dozen essays. He also applied to other top schools, not Ivy, and did get accepted to all of them. Ironically the only surprise rejection he got was from a safety school that he was not able to visit. We got a chuckle out of that, but when you apply to highly selective schools, you have to also have safeties. There are no guarantees.<br>
Best of luck with all.</p>