@foosondaughter I think you’re on the right track, but I think MIT has not only a bigger understanding of “non-academic strengths” (which they likely do, given their essay prompts) but also their real academic strengths. GPAs/AP/SAT scores are basically irrelevant for many who get in; research/coursework/initiatives outside of school and olympiads are a much better way to differentiate between these “top” students, which MIT definitely seriously considers.