D had a friend who applied to Vandy with perfect test scores and GPA, tons of fabulous ECs, work experience, awards, etc… He was accepted but got $0 merit awards. Two years prior (HS class of '16), the val did get a substantial award, but it’s gotten much more competitive. Another exceptionally smart friend applied ED to Rice and ended up getting rejected entirely.
I’m unfortunately not surprised that you aren’t hearing the success stories. 
I have lots of them though for places like Alabama, Iowa, TAMU…