<p>“most kids apply to many schools”</p>
<p>Well. Some kids apply to one, two, or three, especially if they are applying from “feeder schools,” or if they can stay at their current school. </p>
<p>Students attending “pre-preps” work with school counselors who know the admissions offices at prep high schools. I have the impression that these counselors skillfully try to find a place for every child applying. It works something like the process Shamus Khan outlined for <em>college</em> placement: <a href=“http://shamuskhan.files.■■■■■■■■■■■■■/2013/11/gettingin.pdf[/url]”>http://shamuskhan.files.■■■■■■■■■■■■■/2013/11/gettingin.pdf</a>. Information is shared, but not between schools. I believe the school counselors serve to manage the placement of their students to the next level.</p>
<p>So a strong student from a pre-prep might apply to one school, get in, attend. That drives up yield. </p>
<p>Schools also have a good feeling for where they sit in the pecking order. Some schools are very sensitive to whether or not they think they’ll yield a student. If you look at the result threads from past years, you’ll see quite a few threads in which a student was accepted by one school; few students seem to be able to choose from many schools. (Remember that the results threads are self-reported information.)</p>
<p>You must factor in that financial aid funds are limited; many more students apply who need financial aid than schools could take. The full pay students are more likely to apply to fewer schools, and to have someone advising them who can reassure schools as to their level of interest. </p>