<p>token and cellar…
I have enough respect for the Ivy schools generally to have my first two kids apply. One is a recent graduate and another just finished her first year at another Ivy.
I think you are expecting magical stuff (and maybe believing PR) in admissions that is just plain unrealistic. These can be fine schools without buying into such things.
Please just work through the process in your heads given the numbers of applicants we are talking about. That’s the best reality check I can think of.
Re: the quote. In February? I’m sorry, each application has gotten sufficient reads by then? I don’t think so. Just matching the paperwork takes much of January. Don’t you believe the stories about getting to the post office by December 31st?
No reason to be romantic about such stuff. The system is fair enough. Given you swallow the recruited athlete, legacy, URM, prof and administrator boost, politician and celebrity marks.</p>