<p>But that doesn’t mean that he necessarily had equivalent qualifications, including intangible factors, to the students who were actually admitted to Princeton the year he was waitlisted. For example, maybe he won a big award in a regional contest, and maybe some other kid who was admitted to Princeton won a similar award in a an equivalent national contest. Nothing wrong with wining the regional contest – but obviously the national award means more. </p>
<p>Having a better than “theoretical chance” does NOT mean that his stats and profile fully match those who were admitted.</p>