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[quote=Anonymous]OP, getting back to your original question:

My parents had three children. Two went to Ivy, one went to a top LAC (and turned down two Ivy schools for the LAC). This was in the 1990s.

If memory serves me correct, we kids all had SAT scores in the high 1400s, bordering 1500, several AP 5s, SATII in the 700s (and I received perfect 800s on the two history SAT II). All had excellent grades. We were upper middle class kids from good private schools in a midsize city. While admissions is much tougher today it was also tough back then (Ivies had admission rates between 15-20% and the top LACs in the high 20s (self selective pool). This is why I think we were admitted:

Sibling 1: editor of school paper, four years of continued involvement including growing leadership on the paper. Other hook was strong grades and interest in Greek/Latin and expressed interest in studying classics in college. Also played sports but not at recruitment level but this rounded out the profile. Applied early and got in.

Sibling 2: Statewide recognition for lacrosse and field hockey. Captain of her teams. Ivy coach expressed interest. On application said she was interested in STEM majors. Applied early and got in.

Sibling 3: Had the highest grades/scores of the three of us. Sang in the state boys' choir (not as impressive as it sounds but did so for years). Long demonstrated history of drama groups at school and acted in groups outside school, including two small roles in local repertory performances during high school. Expressed interest in drama groups on college applications. Played tennis/cross country but not at recruitment level. Applied to a range of colleges, accepted at two Ivies but chose to go to a top LAC instead.

The pattern was that we all had the requisite background of excellent academics and scores, but each had a niche that stood out. None were truly outstanding or special but it gave us an edge over the competition.

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