I thought I would put my two cents in. NJ is super competitive and we produce excellent college candidates as we pay the highest taxes in nation to do so (lucky us). Our main export without a doubt, college kids. That being said the term genius, in my mind is not quite right as I don’t think WP is looking for super smart one dimensional kids. My DS is very bright but I know there are others in his school who have done better on SAT/ ACT. However these kids studied hard but did not earn a Varsity letter, did not do part-time work, or put in the many, many hours to obtain Eagle. My impression after watching and going through the very difficult process is that WP is looking for well rounded leaders. We both attended the congressional seminars and out-reach programs provided by the Academies and the impression I got in speaking with all the fine representatives is that they want smart well rounded, confident kids that are hard working and determined. They told us that he should take the SAT/ ACT as many times as possible to improve his score as it shows determination. What kid wants to sit through multiple 3 hour tests. They want to see improvement on the CFA and to take multiple times etc Anyway, tell your DS not to be discouraged, to work hard and good things will come. Finally, in the middle of the process, after being rejected to SLE, I wanted to sit down with my DS and watch the movie Rudy, as that is what it felt like to me watching my DS go through the process ( we never did but still worth the watch).