<p>Didn’t Williams College do the same thing some years ago, i.e., added a supplemental essay which led to fewer completed applications? I seem to remember that, but can’t find it in a quick Google.</p>
<p>I don’t think they’re surprised by the jump. There’s a balance between not discouraging anyone from applying, and trying to admit students who will show up in the fall. I feel that there’s an optimal relationship between spots available and applicants. Beyond a certain point, it’s not possible to carefully select the most interesting class (in my opinion, which others can criticize.)</p>
<p>The only way to handle this as a family is to start talking and thinking about college early. The end of sophomore year, perhaps? At any rate, work it back so that the kid could apply to an early round, should he desire. So, think about colleges and visit colleges before the fall of senior year. Don’t be in the position of frantically throwing together applications to colleges you haven’t visited on December 31st. Don’t waste an application on a college without a major in journalism, if you’re the editor of the school paper, and want to work for ABC news.</p>