“The issue is whether UChicago purposely create both ED and EA to unfairly game the system without adequately informing its applicants.”
- You seem to be upset that UChicago has offered more choices for applicants than other places. You DO realize that thee have been plenty of postings from EA-accepts this year?
“BTW, it plays the ED2 vs RD game with exactly the same strategy.”
- Yes, it does. For each pool you are required, should you choose to apply to UChicago, to reveal whether the school is your #1 or whether you want to negotiate on price. That's not "gaming the system" and it's certainly not mis-representing the options. The school lays it all out pretty well on the website. Perhaps you know someone who applied without bothering to read the directions? Can't cure stupid, unfortunately.
“You mentioned upthread you kid last year applied EA and was deferred, and then got accepted after switching to ED2. This is exactly how UChicago wants to play this game and it’s succeeding.”
- Sure - but that's not exactly a game where no one except UChicago knows the rules. Clearly we did or else she wouldn't have switched. Many did not, with full knowledge that they could easily be waitlisted in the end. And manyu others did and still didn't get in. No one is "owed" an admission. And for every complaint against XYZ college for "gaming the system" with ED, there are about 10 posts from applicants trying to figure out how to get out of their ED agreement if they don't like their fin. aid. package. They don't even bother using more discrete phrasing like "it's not affordable". At least they are honest, but sheesh - talk about gaming the system!!!
UChicago’s admission plan might not be your cup of tea but no one’s holding your feet or your kids’ feet to the fire telling you to apply. The choice is yours. There are LOTS of great schools out there.