Universities are largely to blame for this. Having a 3.8 GPA versus a 3.9 can dramatically reduce your chances of getting into a top university. Being in the top 12% of your graduating class versus the top 8% can hurt your chances of getting in. It&#x27;s stupid, because these are statistically meaningless differences, yet it matters. In an environment like that, it&#x27;s rational for parents to get involved.