How do you get a 4.1GPA and only an 1100 on the SAT? I believe the scoring system on the SAT has been curved easier since I was in high school. My SAT score was around 300pts higher a bit more than 30 years ago and I wasn’t a 4.0 student.
Another thing is getting a GPA above 4.0. When I was in HS, it was theoretically possible with AP and honors classes, but the only person who did was our valedictorian and then only by a hair. Too much grade inflation going on to take that GPA seriously. Where did she rank in her class and what is the general academic achievement level of her high school? I am sure those were criteria in the rejections.
With rampant grade inflation a 4.1 GPA means nothing without any additional context. Did she take honors classes and what is the overall quality of her school district? I’m guessing if you went back thirty years ago her GPA would be closer to a 2.7 when contrasted to the school curriculum of today.