The article makes the mistake of confusing "surprising" for "impressive". Steve's accomplishments are surprising. I wouldn't have the slightest idea how he we

The article makes the mistake of confusing "surprising" for "impressive". Steve's accomplishments are surprising. I wouldn't have the slightest idea how he went about them; I'd have to ask to get the full story. (The article names this the "failed simulation effect".) I totally agree with you that it sounds like fluff, but it's unusual fluff. David's accomplishments are unsurprising. I know exactly how one gets to be the captain of a varsity sports team while keeping up an interesting hobby outside of school. Impressive, concrete, but doesn't provoke any further questioning from me. I wouldn't pick either of them just from a few sentences. I'd want to see the full essays.