They are. Just like admissions to top colleges was different back in the day.
That said, once one moves beyond the HADES schools - and others, like choate, at that tier, the challenges for acceptance are less pronounced, but still evident. Gone are the days where good grades in MS plus good SSAT are enough. Gone are the days where your kid is assured admissions to your alma mater. That’s why many here tell applicants to cast a wide net.