<p>Heartburner, you should read up on the so-called “Tufts effect.” It’s a strategic approach to admissions, which IIRC, was first used by a Tufts admissions dean. In short, the university doesn’t admit the strongest class on paper; it admits the class most likely to enroll, with the qualities the university needs. </p>
<p>For many years, Tufts was regarded as a backup school for kids applying to Harvard and MIT. So it would enroll a fair number of kids for whom it was not the first choice. It was a fine university, with an able student body, which looked worse when judged on its stats, because it could not compete with its near neighbors. Looking for students for whom Tufts was not a backup choice seems to have decreased the admit rate and increased yield. </p>
<p>I would not be surprised if schools are doing something similar. So if you have a favorite school, it does not hurt to let them know. Just don’t promise your undying affection to multiple schools. </p>
<p>School 1: Admits students most likely to enroll. May not accept students it thinks will be accepted by wealthier, more prestigious schools. Decreases admit rate, increases yield. As yield is higher, does not have spaces free for kids who come late to the process, or don’t get into the most competitive schools. </p>
<p>School 2: Admits students the school likes the most. (Other schools like them too.) Higher admit rate, lower yield. May end up with students who were not lucky on March 10th.</p>
<p>Which school is better? Which school ends up with a better student body? I couldn’t answer that question. In my opinion, it comes down to fit. Certainly, the Tufts effect will draw more statistics-inclined parents watching admit rate and yield to judge quality. </p>
<p>(Edit to add: If you find boarding school admissions puzzling, you will be driven round the bend by college admissions.)</p>