<p>I applied to Iowa State, and I would argue that the RAI is an asset, not a liability. The RAI:
a) allows for very quick turnaround on admission decisions,
b) reduces the mystique/confusion associated with holistic review,
c) allows officials at small schools with limited admissions experience a simple way to counsel students on college admissions, and
d) permits quantitative evaluation of future schedules for use in high school planning</p>
<p>I would argue that the type of student who might be turned off by the RAI is unlikely to end up at any of the three regent universities anyway. Let’s face it: U Iowa is not U Michigan. That’s not to say that a student cannot receive a truly top-caliber education at any of these schools. In fact, I think the regent universities are a major asset for the state of Iowa. But none of them carry the same elite cachet as some other schools, and I don’t see a prestige-obsessed student or parent targeting Iowa regardless of the exact admission procedure.</p>
<p>Regarding the website, I actually think the U Iowa website is quite aesthetically pleasing. In terms of ease of use, I would give an edge to ISU, but both are above average in my opinion.</p>
<p>Why are students not choosing to attend U Iowa? First, I don’t think we really have sufficient evidence to warrant this conclusion. But even if true, I think cost is a much more likely culprit. At the end of the day, the out-of-state costs at U Iowa are higher than at many peer institutions.</p>
<p>Just my 2 cents.</p>