Students who got into ivy leagues with a low gpa in 2018.... (Without being a URM, or athlete)

Does anyone have any advice who may fall slightly short on the ‘grade’ end of the spectrum but had external influences which helped them get into Ivies? For example, an amazing story or EC’s combined with high SAT’s? I know the odds are stacked without ‘stellar’ grades but I know some of you peeps are out there…