got in over my niece. 29 ACT, 3.9 GPA. But few extra-curriculars. But she has diabetes, has work experience, and some other experiences that make for good essay stories.

Maybe she fit the mold better of not being an academic all-star but still being really successful.

I have no problem if kids from a single parent or ones with medical issues or mental health issues are given some credit for overcoming these obstacles even if they may not have the highest GPA or ACT, but it's still good enough to qualify.

But when two students come from similar backgrounds and one is 3.8 gpa, 26 act and another is everything my niece was - it makes no sense to accept the first student. The selection process loses credibility.

My niece was also told in her non-acceptance letter that she couldn't apply again until she had two years (Or maybe one - I don't remember) of college credit before she could apply again. It almost sounded punative.