<p>WashU has been accused of “yield protection” which might have helped its ranking. </p>
<p>At least in our local high school, which is very good, the data seems to somewhat support such accusation. Out of ~40 applicants in the last five years, ~30% accepted (typically for students with middle to upper-middle stats), ~10% rejected, and a whopping 60% wait-listed! Very strange admission pattern indeed. </p>
<p>Btw, I think WashU has great academics in general, particularly in biology related fields.</p>