“For instance, Harvard is notorious for encouraging kids to apply who have no chance at admissions. Why? It lowers their admit rate.” Now how would an uber holistic school know in advance which kids have a chance? They don’t reach down and get a pre-app, just minimal info about early test scores.
And kids off the waiting list int he past reported a call and an email. The email would presumably include the deadline and process to officially accept. Did anyone think they want an answer on the spot?