<p>I read a report recently of a survey of why students chose other schools, and financial aid was the number one reason listed. S1’s very close childhood friend wanted to attend Chicago, but received over $10,000 more in aid and no loans from a top Ivy, who wanted her badly. They initially offered about the same as Chicago, and when when asked if they could do better, they did in a big way, Chicago would not match it. Chicago lost a real talent as a result. With FA such a big concern this year, look for more wait list use than in the past as students take the money.</p>
<p>Chicago has always been predominately a graduate institution and Zimmer must appeal to the constituency as well. There was a time that Chicago considered dumping the College altogether. It is now a money maker, if it crosses the line past break even, that might occasion some big changes. </p>
<p>I am also wondering if we are not reading more into these admissions’ personnel changes than is really there. Perhaps Ted just thought that with the change in VP it was a good time to step down rather than learn to work with someone else. Admissions has got to be a tough job. I have heard Zimmer praise admissions over the past two years and it sounded sincere, but again, who knows?</p>