<p>Last year, or perhaps it was the year before, Harvard had to go deep into their waitlist (which is highly unusual for Harvard). The fact that it can go deeply into its waitlist without sacrificing quality speaks to its ability to attract the best students. Top schools have this luxury. Just think about how many high schools, public and private, are in the U.S. and across the globe. Now look at the students in the top 1% to top 10%. You have literally thousands of students in this group. Now add in top athletes, oboe players, artists, scientists or other specialist who excel and have demonstrated a passion in particular areas while also keeping other areas academically strong. You have now added thousands more. Last year, Stanford received about 35,000 applications for 1600 or so slots. Of course you are going to have more qualified applicants than you can admit.</p>
<p>I just saw this from ib612: “I think Tufts also rejects / waitlists overqualified people as well.” EVERY top school has to waitlist highly qualified people regrettably, and no students are OVERqualified for any top school.</p>