<p>usna1985-
no doubt you have far more experience than I have, so I can only go by the brief from this summer- but perhaps I am just not reading your post correctly- it seems like we are talking about the same thing.</p>
<p>Females- at one time, the push was to get the percentage up- it is currently hovering around 20%, give or take 1-2%- and it is my understanding this is where the level will remain for now- give or take. So for awhile there was an advantage for female applicants- small as it might have been- but no more, as the admissions dept feels they are attracting a fair enough pool in which to get the yield they want. </p>
<p>As far as I remember, there was no mention of viewing male-female applications seperately or distinctly from one another- they are in the same “pool”- however I do not recall the term “gender blind” being mentioned, although I might have missed it. But I fully agree that the message was that women would not be given any special consideration in the admission process- no need based on the number that apply. </p>
<p>Other minorities- African Americans, Hispanics - ADM Fowler wants the numbers up- significantly- so would venture to say that will amount to a bit of an “edge”- but they still want the cream of the crop from the pool.</p>