<p>Interview and recommendations.</p>
<p>Really. After that, the SSAT can knock you out of contention, if it’s too low for the school. I think the essay is also important, but I suspect the “parental influence” factor limits its importance. The Wall Street Journal published an amusing article about applying to college: [College</a> Application Tip: Be Yourself - WSJ.com](<a href=“http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123007804405131707.html]College”>http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123007804405131707.html). I don’t know if that article is available to nonsubscribers, but it’s worth reading. If parental meddling is that widespread for high school students, I estimate that it’s also a factor for middle school students.</p>
<p>Application Gaffes (from the article)</p>
<p>Letting your mom sign her own name to your application.
Plugging in the wrong college name when answering, “Why are you applying here?”
Emailing the admissions dean 15 times to show your interest.</p>