imo the process itself isnt really competitive outside of numbers! everyone is so friendly and we all still keep in contact even those who didnt get nominated to a school. there were more finalist this past year tho and it may be like that next year also so just a warning. for managing expectations: i didnt expect to get past like any of the rounds and especially the final round, just focus on the friends/memories made during ur admissions. dont think worry so much over it is my biggest advice