well, since you mention carleton, here’s our data point. S and one other candidate applied from our hs with similar gpas
S: 9 aps, 30 college credits, 2200 sat, founded philosophy club, founded debate club, vp of class, all-league tennis, shakespeare club, performed in improv comedy, drama and musicals, team finished 4th in global problem solving challenge, great interview
other candidate: 4 aps, 2050 sat, varsity football, selected all-county baseball, I’m sure he had a great interview.
spot went to baseball player. He’s a great, great kid but we were surprised, It’s very possible it didn’t boil down to sports but it seems like a logical conclusion. To my eye, my s is the much better candidate academically but perhaps carleton viewed them as similar and went for the athlete.