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Why does this issue keep coming up?
I doubt it really has to do with the overall strength of the class.
We really don't have the data to assess the admissions process,
other than anecdotal stories and proxies for quality such as the
Putnam exam.
I think the problem is that the admissions office puts out an
image that offends people.
1) Marilee Jones offends parents by implying she is a defender
of students and parents don't have their kids' best interests
at heart.
2) The push toward getting women to apply by saying
it makes for a better atmosphere offends some of them. (Who
wants to just be there to keep the boys happy?)
3) The whole thing about "we can tell who is a match" offends
applicants. I mean, they think they're a match, that's why they
are applying. To pretend that it is a deep process; that you read the
application and somehow see into their hearts and can proclaim
that they are soul-mates with MIT! Well, it's a little over the top.
Most people are pretty mature, they can take being accepted or
rejected based on their record, or whatever the clear criteria are.
But the criteria aren't clear, and I feel as if the admissions officers
are trying to be rock-stars. I wish they would produce a little less
verbiage, and get on with their jobs in a professional manner.
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