That is hard to understand. So sorry.
We are also instate. Our first was deferred and ultimately waitlisted/rejected by UNC, but the younger siblings got in. Similar academic stats, same high school, but the differences I’d say were personal qualities of passion and determination… and excellent writing that reveled something out of the ordinary. UNC seems to value service and impact … bringing something different to the community … over stats alone.
Turns out it was all for the best in our first one’s case. He shone where he went. (Maybe something came through in the app that actually did him a favor.)
Fortunately your kid is in outstanding place at Wake, but I totally feel for you on the cost!