<p>A few points:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>I like the separate application. It discourages people from applying “just to see if I get in.” When those are really qualified people, they sorta ruin it for those of us who actually want to go.</p></li>
<li><p>I applied EA and was deferred. Luckily, I got in, but I think deferring such a large portion of the pool is really misleading. In my mind, accepted EA means: you’re awesome, we want you. Deferred means: you’re pretty good, we would let you in, but let’s just see if more extraordinary people apply RD. Rejected: you’re good, but you will definitely not make it in with the larger applicant pool. I feel like 10% accept, 80% reject, and 10% deferral would be better for our mental health. Haha.</p></li>
</ol>