[gee_ess]

I would explain "competitive" with the same definition one would use for a competitive university:

Several applicants, highly qualified, vying for a limited number of slots.

Said applicants spent time working hard to build their resumes in anticipation of this process, then worked hard on preparing application materials and resumes to send to prospective schools.

They networked, prepped for interviews, researched ways to "stand out" from the sea of applicants - all in order to present themselves in the best light possible, and therefore, be chosen by the (in their opinion) best schools.


Some get in, some do not...
Some choose a different school than they otherwise planned on attending