It's not even about standards anymore. Most kids can get in. The problem is that the best players don't want to get in.
Would you want to deal with the strict academics and honor code of ND with dreary weather, dumpy college town and lack of attractive easy girls?
Or would you rather deal with a school that allows you to concentrate on football while getting an easier academic path, allows the football coaches to administer discipline, beautiful weather and beautiful coeds that are willing to drop their panties on a dime for you?