<p>Not that it makes it any easier (smile … as my son is in the same boat waiting), but I don’t think anyone should be at all surprised by the EA process and the data that is popping up on this thread. I am sure there is some variance between admissions counselors as to how they approach their stack of applicants, but it seems like there would be a group with exceptionally high scores and stats that probably have a quicker approval process if the applications meet certain standards (for instance, does the answer to the “why Tulane” question seem legitimate). Also, although hopefully there is careful consideration given to the qualities of applicants wen merit scholarships are awarded, I can’t help but think (as fallenchemist has said, but maybe not in so many words) that there is very likely a correlation between the amount or merit aid given and basic statistical measures like test scores and GPA. As merit money can only be applied toward tuition, etc., it really is a form of discounted tuition being offered to those students whom Tulane would really like to see attend as those students’ test scores and GPAs presumably raise or maintain the current median GPA across the class, and Tulane probably perceives that as a good thing. </p>
<p>That being said, I wonder what the correlation is between the students that are accepted as part of EA that have very high Test Scores/GPAs and actual attendance (“yield”) versus the yield at lower test score levels where they is little or no merit money … is the yield higher, lower, or the same? Sorry to make it sound so statistical and numbers based, but when we are talking about tens of thousands of electronically submitted applications, its hard to think otherwise. </p>