In WashU's defense...

mrkay
Thu, 13 Apr 2006 05:08:01 +0000

Nice post, Jeffwun.

Anyway, I’m not too clear on this “acceptance rate manipulation” thing…

If someone gets admitted off the waitlist, isn’t he/she also factored in the overall admit rate later on?
And if not, does Wash U really accept that many students off the waitlist?
The only number I’ve seen in regards to the waitlist admits was 121 (last year’s; however, it is from a cc post so I don’t know the original source).
I don’t think an additional 100 or so applicants counted as those who were denied admissions would make such a significant impact on the overall admittance rate; a considerable number of waitlist admits should be accepted for the admittance rate to be significantly altered.

So, as far as my knowledge on the admissions process goes, Wash U’s waitlisting more applicants than do many other schools doesn’t carry much meaning. But I might be missing something - so if anybody has more info on this, please tell me why this is considered a questionable practice.