Interesting thread and posts.
I wonder if the hyper competitiveness of kids/families applying to only top 25 is contributing to lower enrollments at many schools. Are more kids taking gap years if they did not get into best brand school? Are more kids transferring to jump up to better brand?
Lots reported on New England kids looking beyond New England, specifically the South. At the same time, I have heard more kids from farther regions of the country are looking at NE schools. Tuition does not really cover the complete cost of education.. if alumni are not giving back, if grants and research are not funded, schools will make cuts, which has impact on admissions - lower enrollment yield, with admits still needeing financial aid.. Then, the most negative campaign to all international students about studying in the US is being broadcasted right now. The extra financial fill schools got from International full pay students goes away and towards Canada & UK.
I do not think Harvard, the Ivies, or any top tier school should be penalized punished etc in some of the cases we are seeing but I do think society is paying a price for heavily weighting .. just 20?!!! Schools as having the best students, faculty and programs… college confidential demonstrates the handwringing stress over admission for the golden ticket.. Employers/top firms also are only recruiting from just 10-15 schools… instead of tearing down the top I wish society would build up state schools & colleges and universities and community colleges that serve our communities better.
My apologies for going off in different directions here 