[Leftcoast]

Having been one of the unexceptional 95%, I know how he feels.  He'll get over it.  - Mick

You are right, of course and who knows what vagaries of an application come into play when deciding between the chosen 5% and the next 20% (or 30% or ...)

I just find it difficult to celebrate that 95% of the kids were turned away, many of whom were deserving or had a close attachment to the school.  Ultimately, kids that were qualified and really wanted to go to Stanford were rejected and  that is the dark side of being the most selective school. 

(Of course, it could just be me.  I also hated the "We got in" cheer that was so popular at games with UCB and USC.)

[Leftcoast]

Having been one of the unexceptional 95%, I know how he feels.  He'll get over it.  - Mick

You are right, of course and who knows what vagaries of an application come into play when deciding between the chosen 5% and the next 20% (or 30% or ...)

I just find it difficult to celebrate that 95% of the kids were turned away, many of whom were deserving or had a close attachment to the school.  Ultimately, kids that were qualified and really wanted to go to Stanford were rejected and  that is the dark side of being the most selective school. 

(Of course, it could just be me.  I also hated the "We got in" cheer that was so popular at games with UCB and USC.)