Schools with straightforward admissions

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pitt and Penn almost robo-respond. You have the stats they admit. I think my accepted within 48 hours.

You forgot a key word there: 'State'

Penn usually means UPenn. And no Upenn does not robo-respond unless maybe you are a President's kid or something.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is a spin-off of the transparency thread, where someone wrote—

I happen to work for public R-1 university that has straight-forward admissions--if you graduate with a certain GPA, you're in. We're ranked in the top 200 and provide a great education for a good value. There are several other universities just like us.

I would like to know, what are some T200 public R-1s with straightforward admissions? I am particularly interested in guarantees, like the quoted PP mentioned, so that I don’t have to deal with any gamesmanship about yield protection.

Asking for a self-described “boring” high stats kid from the HS class of 2026 who becomes despondent every time she sees the word “holistic”.

So her best approach would be to shot gun. If she is high stats then as OOS she should have a good shot. What is her major?

Definitely apply to UCs and Cal States. UCs are horribly holistic for in state but out of state they just want money and stats. They also take lower stats from OOS students especially at mid tiers. As long as she is over 3.5 and OOS then Santa Barbara, Davis, Irvine are all in reach. Santa Cruz and Merced are pretty much guaranteed. For Cal States look at Cal Poly, SDSU, Long Beach, SJSU, Fullerton. SDSU may be the only R1.

Other options University of Oregon, university Colorado boulder, Iowa, Pitt, etc

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would have said places like Colorado, but that AI kid was denied. LOL.

Please check out that AI kid's terrible essay and you will understand. Just don't let your kid write an outlier and possibly red flag essay like that and you'll be fine.

What are you talking about?

Here you go
https://x.com/zach_yadegari/status/1906888487292559531/photo/2

It’s not great. And while I — as an editor and frequent user of em-dashes — can’t stand the “em-dashes are an AI red flag” situation, the fact that this kid peppers his essay with them and clearly knows his way around AI suggests that this is likely not entirely his writing.

In case people don't know what an em dash is, this is the AI kid's essay in part:
A month later, I was still searching. Serendipity brought me to the Ryoan-ji rock garden in Kyoto-where a young Jobs once searched for a similar answer. No—I wasn't magically struck with the right answer like I wanted. But the deliberate imperfection of the stones—the paradox of asymmetry as both chaos and order-lodged itself in my mind, a quiet contradiction I couldn't let go. Maybe life is just this—a tapestry of contradictions where meaning isn't found in resolution but in the act of exploring the in-between.

The short line "-" is a hyphen. The em-dash is the longer line and used very frequently by ChatGPT. I am copying and pasting the em dash because I don't even know how to make it with my laptop "—"

- vs —

It was actually my DS (rising senior) who told me an em-dash is definitely a "red flag" that indicates AI and that teenagers do not use them in their writing, or even know what they are. I use em-dashes all the time when I write. If DS lets me read his essay and suggest edits I'll be sure to keep away from the em-dash!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a spin-off of the transparency thread, where someone wrote—

I happen to work for public R-1 university that has straight-forward admissions--if you graduate with a certain GPA, you're in. We're ranked in the top 200 and provide a great education for a good value. There are several other universities just like us.

I would like to know, what are some T200 public R-1s with straightforward admissions? I am particularly interested in guarantees, like the quoted PP mentioned, so that I don’t have to deal with any gamesmanship about yield protection.

Asking for a self-described “boring” high stats kid from the HS class of 2026 who becomes despondent every time she sees the word “holistic”.

So her best approach would be to shot gun. If she is high stats then as OOS she should have a good shot. What is her major?

Definitely apply to UCs and Cal States. UCs are horribly holistic for in state but out of state they just want money and stats. They also take lower stats from OOS students especially at mid tiers. As long as she is over 3.5 and OOS then Santa Barbara, Davis, Irvine are all in reach. Santa Cruz and Merced are pretty much guaranteed. For Cal States look at Cal Poly, SDSU, Long Beach, SJSU, Fullerton. SDSU may be the only R1.

Other options University of Oregon, university Colorado boulder, Iowa, Pitt, etc

My OOS kid was waitlisted at UCSB with a 4.3 so your thinking is dated.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would have said places like Colorado, but that AI kid was denied. LOL.

Please check out that AI kid's terrible essay and you will understand. Just don't let your kid write an outlier and possibly red flag essay like that and you'll be fine.

What are you talking about?

Here you go
https://x.com/zach_yadegari/status/1906888487292559531/photo/2

It’s not great. And while I — as an editor and frequent user of em-dashes — can’t stand the “em-dashes are an AI red flag” situation, the fact that this kid peppers his essay with them and clearly knows his way around AI suggests that this is likely not entirely his writing.

In case people don't know what an em dash is, this is the AI kid's essay in part:
A month later, I was still searching. Serendipity brought me to the Ryoan-ji rock garden in Kyoto-where a young Jobs once searched for a similar answer. No—I wasn't magically struck with the right answer like I wanted. But the deliberate imperfection of the stones—the paradox of asymmetry as both chaos and order-lodged itself in my mind, a quiet contradiction I couldn't let go. Maybe life is just this—a tapestry of contradictions where meaning isn't found in resolution but in the act of exploring the in-between.

The short line "-" is a hyphen. The em-dash is the longer line and used very frequently by ChatGPT. I am copying and pasting the em dash because I don't even know how to make it with my laptop "—"

- vs —

It was actually my DS (rising senior) who told me an em-dash is definitely a "red flag" that indicates AI and that teenagers do not use them in their writing, or even know what they are. I use em-dashes all the time when I write. If DS lets me read his essay and suggest edits I'll be sure to keep away from the em-dash!

I’m a die-hard em-dash user but my kid is not. DC will use a colon if appropriate or the occasional parenthetical, but hates when I suggest an em-dash, so I don’t suggest them anymore. It’s DC’s voice and style that are important.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:in canada, but consider mcgill - straightforward admissions by numbers.

All Canadian schools do this.

almost all colleges globally do this.

Yes, the US's admissions process is more about societal engineering than academic qualifications.

Stop being bitter.
Admit you played the wrong game and lost and move on. You will do better for your other kids.

I suggest listening to Lee coffin‘s podcast. Today was the conclusion of season 7 and they both talked so poignantly about one current senior’s essay that they remembered about pancakes made by his mother. They said they will never remember the details of any random research that kids drone on and on about, but they remember the essays that shed insight into who the applicants are as human beings, what they value, and what they will, most importantly, bring to the community - outside of the classroom.

OMG how can you believe this BS.

NP. Because admissions offices are still staffed by human beings and human beings still currently make admissions decisions at schools like Dartmouth. Many such human beings are moved by pathos. In that vein, Dartmouth got about 31,000 applications to fill a class of about 1,100. After an initial cull, everyone they seriously consider has incredible stats. So the little things like a memorable essay or the peer recommendation that shows an applicant's good nature can make a difference.

When my DD went through the process last cycle, I listened to a million podcasts and read 3-4 books by former admissions officers, and they say the same thing. Either there's an incredibly well-coordinated, sweeping, and intricate conspiracy that transcends the nation's many admissions offices and officers to hide "the real reasons applicants gets offers" or they're telling the truth. I'm going with Occam's Razor on this one.

Agree with you.

And I think people don’t spend enough time understanding that who you are as a “community member” is extraordinarily important to these schools, after you meet the baseline for grades/ rigor/ test scores. The community aspect, especially at a small school, is critical to understand; showing how you would fit in in campus life is central.

The perception of an applicant as a member of the community is important, especially if the good personal qualities of the applicant contradict the stereotypes developed by the AO before they get to the essays.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would have said places like Colorado, but that AI kid was denied. LOL.

Please check out that AI kid's terrible essay and you will understand. Just don't let your kid write an outlier and possibly red flag essay like that and you'll be fine.

What are you talking about?

Here you go
https://x.com/zach_yadegari/status/1906888487292559531/photo/2

It’s not great. And while I — as an editor and frequent user of em-dashes — can’t stand the “em-dashes are an AI red flag” situation, the fact that this kid peppers his essay with them and clearly knows his way around AI suggests that this is likely not entirely his writing.

In case people don't know what an em dash is, this is the AI kid's essay in part:
A month later, I was still searching. Serendipity brought me to the Ryoan-ji rock garden in Kyoto-where a young Jobs once searched for a similar answer. No—I wasn't magically struck with the right answer like I wanted. But the deliberate imperfection of the stones—the paradox of asymmetry as both chaos and order-lodged itself in my mind, a quiet contradiction I couldn't let go. Maybe life is just this—a tapestry of contradictions where meaning isn't found in resolution but in the act of exploring the in-between.

The short line "-" is a hyphen. The em-dash is the longer line and used very frequently by ChatGPT. I am copying and pasting the em dash because I don't even know how to make it with my laptop "—"

- vs —

It was actually my DS (rising senior) who told me an em-dash is definitely a "red flag" that indicates AI and that teenagers do not use them in their writing, or even know what they are. I use em-dashes all the time when I write. If DS lets me read his essay and suggest edits I'll be sure to keep away from the em-dash!

Oh no. My kid uses the em-dash and it’s not from AI. I once explained to her how it should be used. I guess I better tell her not to use it now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pitt and Penn almost robo-respond. You have the stats they admit. I think my accepted within 48 hours.

I think you mean Penn State, not Penn, but so does Temple. My son submitted on 12/27, accepted 12/29.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a spin-off of the transparency thread, where someone wrote—

I happen to work for public R-1 university that has straight-forward admissions--if you graduate with a certain GPA, you're in. We're ranked in the top 200 and provide a great education for a good value. There are several other universities just like us.

I would like to know, what are some T200 public R-1s with straightforward admissions? I am particularly interested in guarantees, like the quoted PP mentioned, so that I don’t have to deal with any gamesmanship about yield protection.

Asking for a self-described “boring” high stats kid from the HS class of 2026 who becomes despondent every time she sees the word “holistic”.

So her best approach would be to shot gun. If she is high stats then as OOS she should have a good shot. What is her major?

Definitely apply to UCs and Cal States. UCs are horribly holistic for in state but out of state they just want money and stats. They also take lower stats from OOS students especially at mid tiers. As long as she is over 3.5 and OOS then Santa Barbara, Davis, Irvine are all in reach. Santa Cruz and Merced are pretty much guaranteed. For Cal States look at Cal Poly, SDSU, Long Beach, SJSU, Fullerton. SDSU may be the only R1.

Other options University of Oregon, university Colorado boulder, Iowa, Pitt, etc

Outcomes at UC are anything but transparent. Even mid and lower level ones. And you have to write 4 essays, I wouldn't rely upon them wanting only money and stats if you are an OOS applicant.

If you are still interested in them, I wouldn't be too sure about UC Davis. I've heard that Davis yield protects, and there are some odd stories about which kids get into Davis and which ones don't. Like ones in state accepted by Cal or UCLA, but not Davis, that sort of thing, which is consistent with yield protection. An OOS kid rejected by UC Davis, but accepted at NYU. For in state, Davis probably has data by high school on what types of kids accept, but OOS who knows? Hearsay, and explainable by randomness, but troubling. Also important to note that UC Davis publicly prioritizes FGLI.

Nor is UC Santa Cruz guaranteed. I know someone whose high stats in state kid got into UCLA but rejected by Santa Cruz. If anything, prioritizes FGLI more than Davis. A more likely acceptance here, but, again, like Davis, the school may yield protect if it thinks any applicant is using it as a safety.

I would emphasize submitting essays that humanizes your kid and shows real interest. But, again, they don't really fit your criteria, there is not much transparency when it comes to UC admissions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pitt and Penn almost robo-respond. You have the stats they admit. I think my accepted within 48 hours.

I think you mean Penn State, not Penn, but so does Temple. My son submitted on 12/27, accepted 12/29.

Luigi Mangione has joined the conversation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why do I feel like the OP of this thread is the same as the OP of the thread they're referencing? Anyways, if you're full pay, you can get into any public OOS with an acceptance rate 60%+. You may not get into the engineering or business schools, but their general arts & sciences school is not going to reject your high stats kid.

I doubt it. This time of year has everyone navel gazing and trying to come up with an application strategy, for the class of 2026 anyway. It’s like January 1st at the gym.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:in canada, but consider mcgill - straightforward admissions by numbers.

All Canadian schools do this.

almost all colleges globally do this.

Yes, the US's admissions process is more about societal engineering than academic qualifications.

Stop being bitter.
Admit you played the wrong game and lost and move on. You will do better for your other kids.

I suggest listening to Lee coffin‘s podcast. Today was the conclusion of season 7 and they both talked so poignantly about one current senior’s essay that they remembered about pancakes made by his mother. They said they will never remember the details of any random research that kids drone on and on about, but they remember the essays that shed insight into who the applicants are as human beings, what they value, and what they will, most importantly, bring to the community - outside of the classroom.

OMG how can you believe this BS.

DP.

Because how is a powerful drug. It helps the patients of keystone students believe that their dream school will be able to look past the mediocrity and see their special kid the same way they do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Heartfelt essays! Story of pancakes shows your inner world that captivates the hearts of young and underpaid admissions counselors! So ridiculous.

DP

The US college admissions process is ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:in canada, but consider mcgill - straightforward admissions by numbers.

All Canadian schools do this.

almost all colleges globally do this.

Yes, the US's admissions process is more about societal engineering than academic qualifications.

Stop being bitter.
Admit you played the wrong game and lost and move on. You will do better for your other kids.

I suggest listening to Lee coffin‘s podcast. Today was the conclusion of season 7 and they both talked so poignantly about one current senior’s essay that they remembered about pancakes made by his mother. They said they will never remember the details of any random research that kids drone on and on about, but they remember the essays that shed insight into who the applicants are as human beings, what they value, and what they will, most importantly, bring to the community - outside of the classroom.

OMG how can you believe this BS.

DP.

Because hope is a powerful drug. It helps the parents of mediocre students believe that their dream school will be able to look past the mediocrity and see their special kid the same way they do.