Agree with #4 - this topic comes up too often on CC. No it is not a lottery - that suggests “chance” or something you do not control. Every applicant controls his/her own application. The Ivies and other top LACs review each application and offer admission to those they think will contribute to their specific community. Make yourself distinctive for them. The combination of excellent grades and scores, together with proven leadership ability (through ECs), and strong recommendations make it more likely that you will be admitted. Then tell your personal story in an essay on why you believe you will contribute to a specific school’s community, and you have done all you can do. When I see comments like it is a “lottery” that tells me the applicant recognizes they did not distinguish themselves enough to be admitted. Just think - if you are admitted to a top school, would you really believe you were “lucky” rather than deserving?