<p>^And not all fields have top programs with a 10% acceptance rate. In my field (molecular/cell biology), the top programs interview about 30% of applicants and accept about 2/3 of those they interview. I mean, it’s obviously not easy to get in, but 20% > 10%, at least.</p>
<p>EDIT: I would also venture a guess that some percentage of applications are untenable because applicants don’t package themselves the right way. For example, if you approach a grad app like an undergrad app, emphasizing well-roundedness and extracurriculars, that’s bad. Many applicants get unhelpful recommendation letters, also – not that they’re bad, it’s just that they say things like “This student got an A in my class.”</p>