Lol, some act ike H adcoms are the stereotype of middle school mean girls, worried about impressions and getting enough A-list cute- and effervescent- boys to show up to their party. I think you’ll never get an idea of what matters til you get past that.
Traditionally, Tufts Syndrome didn’t refer to yield, per se. It was more specifically that, with H and MIT down the road, T had to consider how to attract kids truly interested in this college. Most kids, wherever they apply, including so-called top performers, don’t know how to show interest. (Look at all the CC advice that showing interest is as easy as visiting or getting on an email list. Far too simplistic.) So, they miss the point and reap the (non) rewards.
If H is “picky” about STEM wiz kids who may really want another, that, too, relates to interest. Not some blind, ignorant short look at stats and accomplishments. Not assuming. And not giving up on a great applicant just because “maybe” he wants someplace else.
And they have a great waitlist.