Less selective to moderately selective schools usually look at all of the following except: a. essays and recommendations. b. test scores. c. leadership ability. d. gpa.

The answer is C: leadership ability.  Some schools that are not so demanding concerning the requirements for their selective process accept what was already established by educators and  is expected from the students, via tests scores, GPA, essays etc. But leadership ability is what will help them interact positively with others and become a good professional.

C. Leadership ability.

Explanation:

A P E X.

"the sandy walls seemed to collapse in on themselves"

and

"the bloodshot waters seemed to have no bottom"