u/wild_science_child

I see a lot of people here ask if they have a shot at top programs, but I always see people telling them to wait or that they don't have a chance. Obviously fit is important, and I know your statements need to be great, but what are the stats of people who are getting into the very top programs at Harvard or similar rank? Or is it about LORs or their connections to labs, already coming from an Ivy undergrad/ master's? Would love some insight into what people think- or those who were admitted to top programs, what did your application look like?

I realize there's a lot of luck involved, but even those lucky individuals must have amazing applications and I’m curious what they look like.