One reason they have dropped so low is because of the Common Application. But basically they are the same kids they have always been -- top scores, top grades, excelling at unusual ECs, fantastic recommendations. Some are athletes, URMs, and legacies. They get far more qualified applicants than they can accept, so they can really pick and choose based on the finest detail.
If anyone is interested in seeing more detail on admissions breakdowns, looking at the Common Data Set for a college is a good way to do that. Google " Common Data Set" to find them. Almost every college has this available.
We just didn't stress over this during our 2nd kid's recent college search (PG). We picked some elite colleges where she thought she would be happy, but also a range downward in both academics and cost/possible merit aid. She got in everyplace and had her choice. She didn't think Stanford or the Ivies would be a fit for her, so didn't actually apply to any (but did to some top LACs and research universities).
