The seemingly perfect valedictorian might be a a pain in the ***. He or she might argue every single points on quizzes or assignments. May email and call teachers incessantly on every trivial item they think they’ll be tested on. Might be campaigning tirelessly for leadership positions and then not providing leadership because they are to busy.
The seemingly imperfect candidate might be at home helping a special needs sibling. Might be reading novels for pleasure. Might be running an organization without any formal title.