<p>My son is a freshman at BC. When he learned that Admissions was adding an essay, he commented that this would only have enhanced his candidacy last year because BC was one of his very top choices. I think the drop in applicants gives serious students, as opposed to those who are browsing, a much better chance to shine since far fewer non-serious candidates will take up the oxygen in the room. BTW, he LOVES BC and cannot sing its praises more highly. Very proud EagleMum here. ;)</p>