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The implication to which I’m responding is that if UVA drops ED they will attract a less-capable incoming class. In jRoss’s case it is just not as attractive to his son who likes to move on more quickly, but (I assume) non-binding EA would fix that, right? Others have essentially said dropping ED will lower UVA’s standards and thus its ranking. I agree with you that ED is a way to bolster if not create higher rankings based on USNews-type criteria, and that’s simply another reason I applaud UVA’s decision as being just as brave as Sarah Lawrence no longer using SAT for admission and suffering in rank because of it. I’ve said all along that dropping ED won’t change the quality of UVA, it just makes for a more level playing field for those qualified applicants without the advantage of higher parental household income that seems to favor ED. I don’t give a rat’s ass about ranking but like most, I’m subjected to them because the majority of those looking at selective schools live and die by them. The eclectic mix of schools my kids applied to certainly speaks to them not being impressed by rank. UVA’s just a good, inexpensive, in-state school for us. It just also happens to be one I’d be proud to see my kids attend.</p>