<p>I agree that Reed is trying to boost its application numbers, though this is definitely not “a time when most colleges are reporting record numbers of applicants”–many liberal arts colleges and smaller research universities, including Amherst, Darthmouth, Pomona, etc. are reporting lower application numbers this year, many are reporting stagnant numbers, and very few are reporting significant increases. The national application pool is beginning to shrink and it shows.</p>
<p>I also think, however, that the stated commitment to providing better access to the college to low-income applicants is genuine.</p>
<p>And I can’t imagine why anyone would think providing more low-income students with full aid–or better qualified low-income students, if the point of this move is to increase competition for the same number of financial aid packages–is a bad thing. It is a noble goal and the administration has deemed it affordable.</p>