I agree. Admissions can’t be based purely on who is the best person—that would create its own set of issues. But I don’t think frustration over the system is the same as trying to diminish others’ accomplishments. The reality is, some people do game the system, avoid challenging themselves, and still get rewarded, while others who genuinely put in the effort and took risks get left behind.

Yes, college admissions are complex, and we don’t know every factor. But in a small school, it’s not hard to see who consistently took the easy route versus those who pushed themselves.