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<p>Mini:</p>
<p>I agree with that completely. As the number of shotgun applications per student increases, the ability of the system to accurately match up students and colleges with specifically good “fits” and interest levels decreases. </p>
<p>The system would work more efficiently if each student applied to one first-choice reach, one first-choice match, and one first-choice safety. The total number of applications in the system would plummet and the system would be vastly more predictable for students and colleges alike. Cut the number of apps per student by two-thirds and the system would feel much less “random”.</p>
<p>That’s why I am a fan of binding early decision (despite its inappropriateness financially for some applicants). It is the purest form of matching available in today’s system.</p>