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[quote=TheGreatEscape][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I was also disappointed to find out (after the lottery) that the algorithm doesn't factor in rankings.  Not sure why this wasn't done since it makes all the sense in the world.[/quote]

No, this just encourages gaming the system, and it doesn't allow people to put down their true preferences. No one would put down Yu Ying, even though they all want it. They would put Cap City first, reasoning that there would be less competition if they ranked thst first. No one gets what they want.

Really, it's a pretty good algorithm.[/quote]

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I was also disappointed to find out (after the lottery) that the algorithm doesn't factor in rankings.  Not sure why this wasn't done since it makes all the sense in the world.[/quote]

It doesn't because that would make people game the rankings. Making it "strategy proof" was one of the goals of the common lottery when it was set up.[/quote]

Nope, factoring in preferences would have increased fairness and provided happier outcomes much earlier in the process.  That's why rankings are used as a data point in the other match-making systems that use Roth algorithms (some of which have been mentioned already in this thread).  As things stand, those with bad numbers have to sit around waiting for scraps to fall from the table where those with good numbers are feasting.  Sure, no one can hold multiple spots anymore, but they can now re-prioritize after the lottery and thereby stay on many other waitlists.  Honestly, I don't see how this is preferable to "gaming" the system.  [b]In a truly fair system, an applicant who ranks a school 1st should have priority over another who ranks that same school 12th--irrespective of what number they drew.[/b]

If eliminating the ability to make strategic choices (or "gaming") truly was the deciding factor, then that's an unbelievably patronizing move by DC.  Ah, these stupid parents will all try to game the system, so let's remove that option entirely...  It's more likely that a process including a true preference-based algorithm would have been more costly and time-consuming...[/quote]

I don't think wanting a school more should provide an advantage in the lottery and I'm glad the system was set up with this in mind.

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