<p>The “match” theory implies that two “identical” applicants will most likely be accepted by a certain ivy and rejected by another. The reality seems to be different. As discussed in another thread, there is a well-known association between high schools and top colleges. If a school sends its top applicant to Harvard (or Ptn) each year, you can expect its valedictorian to be admitted to the same institution next year regardless of ‘how good he plays tuba’. This being said, there are applicants with stellar achievements who will be embraced by any ivy.</p>