@BrianBoiler , to the Chicago haters (well, let’s call @DeepBlue86 a detractor, more in sorrow than in anger) it is always and only and forever about rankings and the manipulation thereof. That’s why I say there’s something more than a mere critique of particular policies in play here. It’s every single one of the policies, the whole shebang, all explained as parts of the maniacal ambition to achieve and stay at number three. Chicago ain’t playin’ the gentleman’s game, and how do we know that? --Because the peer schools are not doing what it’s doing. Not fair! Chicago has a long free speech tradition and makes an important and influential statement about that at a time when that’s a big deal on college campuses. --Not fair. Grandstanding. Should keep quiet. All done for the rankings. Chicago has a long history of offering a certain kind of rigorous education. --Its grads ought not to talk about this because it might put noses out of joint at other schools. Chicago makes submission of SAT/ACT optional, creates new forms of assistance for poor kids, waives application fees. --All deeply cynical moves. Harvard doesn’t have to do this, so Chicago shouldn’t. And don’t even think of suggesting that ED’s 1 and 2 have anything to do with recruiting a student body composed of kids who really really want to be at the University of Chicago because of its history and culture. --No, it’s all about finding rich kids to pump up average student wealth to somewhere near a level effortlessly achieved by the ivies.
I could go on, but you get the idea. To a hammer everything looks like a nail. Chicago’s every move is outrageous, unfair, illegitimate and not what other schools are doing. It’s either the place where fun goes to die, or it’s a place like any other. Take your pick, both are reprehensible. Take her down!