> what percent of students at these institutions are there simply off of academic talent and not some of the larger extraneous factor Very few actually get in

> what percent of students at these institutions are there simply off of academic talent and not some of the larger extraneous factor Very few actually get in purely based on academics. Very, very few. Most folks who are admitted have good enough academics (with “good enough” being relatively high but not unreasonable) with something else that sets them apart. Usually this is something that sets them apart at an international, national, or (maybe) regional level, or some sort of demonstrated ability to do something interesting (broadly defined), especially if in a leadership role. > and a not particularly unique angle You probably did not realize what your actual unique angle was, or you grossly undervalue that unique angle.