<p>I always use this term in quotes, because I am not sure what it means.</p>
<p>The RP study, according to its authors, measures, by definition, the relative “desirability” of schools. Whether that is the same as “prestige” is unclear.</p>
<p>Similarly, cross-admit numbers - like numbers derived from the RP study, tell us what fraction of applicants admitted to both School A and School B opt for School A.</p>
<p>We do not know the “reasons” why those with a choice opt for School A over School B. Presumably their reasons can be many and varied.</p>
<p>There WAS a study recently polling applicants as to which factors were important in making a choice. Reputation in expected field of study ranked high. Location ranked high. Overall reputation was middling. USNews standing and the quality of the athletic program were among a myriad of factors ranked lower.</p>