@LMK5: Then were and whom will draw the line and define “high stats”? There are more high stat applicants applying to these schools than there are spots in the first place. I am sure UCLA/UCB could fill their Freshman classes several times over with just “high stat” applicants. Stats alone do not define a high achieving student. Not all students have the same opportunities so how do you separate out these students out if you do not have the essays, EC’s, awards, special talents etc… the are considered in the 14 areas of review criteria?
As a California resident, we are lucky in the we have so many options with the UC’s, CSU’s, privates and CC. The UC’s are far from perfect but maybe individuals like you can push for a better system in the future.