My kid is heading to an ivy unhooked so I say this as someone whose kid wrote good essays:

The essays- esp supplementals -are a system that can be gamed. Getting rid of them makes perfect sense. They do not provide that much info on a kid bc of heavy editing but mostly bc kids who are applying to highly rejective schools either figure out how to write the essays or don’t. This is a game and waste of our kids’ time.

Get rid of them!!!!!

Anonymous wrote:I am trying to figure out the downside of applying Early Action here? Particularly since it is now a pretty easy application? Get it done and get your response early. Probably not early enough to save you from doing other apps but early enough to know you are in somewhere if you get in.

I’m assuming they will defer mostly everyone and then add them to the miles long waitlist in RD if they send a LOCI.

I am trying to figure out the downside of applying Early Action here? Particularly since it is now a pretty easy application? Get it done and get your response early. Probably not early enough to save you from doing other apps but early enough to know you are in somewhere if you get in.

Anonymous wrote:This is the Chicago model. Application number, yield rate, acceptance rate all in play.

Except a Chicago application isn’t easy. 2 very long essays that require intense thought and planning to be successful. WashU is headed in the wrong direction by removing an essay.

Anonymous wrote:I wonder what over-priced consulting firm told them this was a good idea.

Probably one staffed by a bunch of Northeastern grads. One would think that WashU would aspire to greater things.

I wonder what over-priced consulting firm told them this was a good idea.

reeks of desperation

Anonymous wrote:Another way to increase the denominator and drive down the acceptance rate. No self-respecting school removes or cuts down on supplemental essays.

IMO, WashU only appeals to strivers.

Yup. I agree. No respect for schools that make decisions solely driven by rankings. If you want to be top tier, act like top tier.

I wish schools would stop spending so much money and mental energy gaming the system. It has truly gotten out of control. All of the schools should refuse to report yield so they no longer have to worry about it. This is all so dumb and has made the process a nightmare.

This makes me think less of WashU. I was debating whether my child should consider it and now I am less likely. Though the good news is that it sounds like the application is easier and it really isn't that hard to demonstrate interest (we have friends in St. Louis so good excuse to visit) so I guess we can lob in an app and see what happens.

Another way to increase the denominator and drive down the acceptance rate. No self-respecting school removes or cuts down on supplemental essays.

IMO, WashU only appeals to strivers.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Chicago basher mom was quick to appear in this thread

I don't even understand relevance of chicago to the thread about wash u

It consumes the thoughts of a few moms on here whose kids were rejected or shut out of the T20.

Anonymous wrote:Chicago basher mom was quick to appear in this thread

I don't even understand relevance of chicago to the thread about wash u

Demonstrated interest becomes king.

Chicago basher mom was quick to appear in this thread

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is the Chicago model. Application number, yield rate, acceptance rate all in play.

Except Chicago always had EA and WashU will never compare academically

There always is a starting point. I guess for class of 2050, you could say Chicago always had ED0.