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So... what does the yield mean, then? They undoubtedly lose students to MIT, but MIT also undoubtedly loses students to Caltech. And since, as you mention, MIT has an AA program while Caltech does not, it's very likely that many of the students there didn't get into Caltech.
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And undoubtedly both lose students to HYPS. Some chose to go else where could be afraid of the 'rigoros' courses that bring down the GPA, which undoubtly will limit their future application for medical school and grads schools.</p>
<p>What it could means that since Caltech has a relative small student body (around 200 enrollments, 700-800 addmitted). Without practicing AA in admission, you could say pretty much all their addmitted students (nerds like?) would have the stats qualify to the engineering and science program in top schools like HYPSs. Which means the rest 63% of addmistted students (top to 500) would have the choices to go other top schools.</p>
<p>Without knowing other variables, yield means nothing.</p>
<p>Kids who qualify for both MIT & Caltech will go there (or not) based on factors unique to their situations. If you can afford the school or get need-based aid, you will weigh the merits or "fit" for each. If you get in but can't afford to go, you will undoubtedly end up at another fine school that meets your needs, financially & academically.</p>
<p>And as has been pointed out, other schools with high or low yield often have specific reasons why that happens. Some schools are known for appealing to a smaller segment of the population, so it's "easier" for some kids to get in. But just because the entire world isn't beating down your door to get in, doesn't mean you're not any good.</p>
<p>mommusic, </p>
<p>Your affordability comment may also help to explain the relatively low yields of some well known schools that offer merit aid but are otherwise not so generous in their financial aid: Their application fee is like the price of a lottery ticket, except the "prize" is a good merit award. But there are only a few winners among all the ticket buyers (aka applicants)</p>
<p>why is ed taken out of the yield analysis I would think and hope that when you go for ed that it is truly your first choice whlch does yield 100%. the other half of the class is shopping around when there are choice to be made you expect a much lower yield regardless of the school</p>
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why is ed taken out of the yield analysis I would think and hope that when you go for ed that it is truly your first choice whlch does yield 100%. the other half of the class is shopping around when there are choice to be made you expect a much lower yield regardless of the school
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<p>Yeah, it makes very little sense to look at yield as an indicator of desirability while removing ED, which is really the strongest indication of preference a student can give.</p>