<p>chen1111,
And 95% of those 20,000 are here on CC… 
But seriously…S got a personal recruiting letter from a big name school last fall after winning a big award. (The text of the letter made it clear it was a personal recruiting effort and referenced specific info.) Said school was trying to improve its outreach to students in certain competitions. S applied – was deferred and subsequently waitlisted.</p>
<p>Yes, students who get a letter from Harvard have some characteristic that H thinks makes one competitive for admission. However, recognize that many students with records that would blow off your socks are also rejected.</p>
<p>Apply wisely and well, and don’t be seduced.</p>