<p>Strong course load with excellent GPA/class rank is most important,
Strong ECs/leadership/brilliance at something is second,
Good standardized test results is third.</p>
<p>Without one or both of the first two, the third is meaningless.<br>
WITH the first two, the third is somewhat expected, but can be forgiven if it isn’t top notch.</p>
<p>I base these comments on a visit from the Yale rep a year ago, and D’s (and friends’) experiences with admissions at Yale and other selective schools.</p>