<p>the acceptance rate by itself may account for only 1 % of the USNWR ranking calculation. However, the appearance of being “highly selective” does have impact on other, weightier components in the ranking calculation and the general public perception of a prestigious institution. </p>
<p>For instance, USNWR started to include “guidance counselor” assessment (very hefty weight, something like 20% ? I don’t recall the exact weight). Psychology is psychology. When people start to see the acceptance rate going down, they start thinking “prestigious institution”. I bet this influences the GC’s view of the institution. I heard this also affects alumni giving, which accounts for a good % of USNWR ranking calculation. The more prestigious their alma matter appears, the more they are likely to “give”. (don’t ask me to provide a source on this. I read somewhere but can’t recall where. you can dismiss it if you like - but common sense wise, it makes sense. we all want to cheer the winners and want to identify with them).</p>
<p>Every schools wants to be put in the category of “highly selective” in various college admissions review web sites. I have yet to see a school wiely publicizing how their acceptance rate is going up. Many/All schools proudly publish how they acceptance rate went down. </p>
<p>Besides, when more students apply, others hear about the school too, and it goes on and on. The whole number game (increasing the applicants and decreasing acceptance rate) is often a starting point of a virtuous circle. that’s why many colleges are so up and arms to increase the application number. </p>
<p>Last season’s sensation was University of Chicago, whose application number shoot up by 42% and the acceptance rate went down by something like 9% (Wow, these are truly amazing numbers for a school that does not practice ED!!!)</p>