<p>I also think U of C is less concerned about yield then its immediate peers, and this boosts the qualities of accepted students. Dean Ted O’Neill often states: “We accept the very best, and then we’ll take as many as we can get.”</p>
<p>So while Chicago may take only 10% of cross admits with Princeton, they’ll readily accept all of the top kids, and then take as many as they can from these other schools. Other schools, such as Penn or Wash U, that are very cognizant about yield, will practice yield protection a bit more. </p>
<p>Finally, to the original poster, why - when Chicago is tied with some fine schools - will many associated with the U of C still say the college is under-ranked? Sorry to just rely on the strength of the brand over time, but in a Newsweek article released way back on Chicago admissions, when a young admissions counselor asked why admissions standards for the U of C were so rigorous, Dean O’Neill simply stated (to paraphrase): “What other standard would we use? WE ARE the University of Chicago.” </p>
<p>A not insignificant group of people vigorously believe that Chicago is the pre-eminent college in America. When you ask, does the U of C accept under-qualified students, I think Dean O’Neill and many others would scoff and remind you that this is - lest you forget - The University of Chicago.</p>