Yes, I believe they do. I know some National privates ranked 60-100 do. What about T20 schools? When will public universities use these models? Some that overenrolled could’ve used one. They do holistic admissions so it’s not “unethical.”
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Yes I agree. Almost every university out there is using some type of predictive modeling. Some are more dependent on it than others. Schools like Harvard have the luxury of picking whoever they want. But they still don’t want to overshoot enrollment.
In this era of big data, I’d be surprised if there were any schools not using this type of approach. They are just so secretive and opaque about it. This bothers me. They should be more up front about what type of students they want. Avoids the extra headache of getting students hopes up. Racking up rejections unfortunately helps boost rankings.
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Thanks so much everyone! I’m the original poster and somehow could not find my way back to this thread (first time posting for me!) But it’s been incredibly helpful!
To answer a couple of the questions at the beginning, we’re keeping the list of options long and wide to start. As parents, we think he’d do better in a small setting, but he’s one of those kids who is oddly comfortable in almost any environment. His HS is 2200+ so a larger university isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker. I’m glad to hear some encouragement about his possibilities but also recognize that most of his matches are probably reaches to some extent as well.
He’s done a lot of test prep and hopefully that will pay off for the 7/17 ACTs. He’ll do one more round in September, but he’ll also need to be focused on classes by then. We just realized he’ll have 4 APs for his senior year, plus Chinese 6 and a tough math class. That’s why we’re trying to get him to finish his list and start looking at the application process this summer.
Fwiw all the info about the college selection process is really amazing. My husband and I are both researchers and data is very helpful for decision-making. So the discussion around predictive modeling is especially welcome for us - thank you all!
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I have to think Chinese 6 will stand out. Our HS cancelled after Chinese 2. Good luck.
If you would like to compare colleges by selectivity, U.S. News includes “selectivity ranks” among its information. Below you will see the top 31 LACs by this measure:
︎1. Pomona
︎2. Harvey Mudd
︎2. Haverford
︎4. Amherst
︎5. Hamilton
︎5. Swarthmore
︎5. Williams
︎8. Barnard
︎8. Bowdoin
︎10. Washington & Lee
︎11. Wellesley
︎12. Colorado College
︎12. Smith
︎12. Vassar
︎15. Carleton
︎16. Colby
︎17. Colgate
︎17. Davidson
︎19. Claremont McKenna
︎19. Grinnell
︎19. Middlebury
︎19. Wesleyan
︎23. Bates
︎23. Bryn Mawr
︎23. Macalester
︎26. Franklin & Marshall
︎26. Scripps
︎28. Denison
︎28. Kenyon
︎28. Mount Holyoke
︎28. URichmond
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@merc81: Can you share a similar top 25 list for National Universities ?
(OP is applying to both LACs & to National Universities according to the initial post which started this thread.)
That would be fine on a different thread, should @merc81 decide to do that.
@Publisher: This thread includes current information from USN regarding selectivity: Schools by U.S. News Selectivity Rank. Note that the numbering system was disrupted during CC reformatting, however.
Of direct relevance to the OP, Boston College places 41st among National Universities by “selectivity rank.”
Has your son considered Middlebury? International studies and environmental studies are two of Midd’s strongest departments.
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He loved Middlebury but last time we looked at Naviance, it seemed like it was out-of-reach. I’ll check again.
One factor that’s changed (possibly) is the test - his second round ACT scores showed a big bump. 35/36 on the English and reading. Science and math are still well below where they need to be. Not sure if he’ll submit the scores, maybe one more try at the test will make the composite more competitive.
At most schools, applying ED is a great way to show interest and commitment. You’ve said you will go if admitted!
Doing those other things-- visiting, meeting AO – are ways of getting info to ensure it is truly a first choice and of creating an app that highlights that you are what they are looking for.
Our CC, now several years ago, insisted DS spend a day at any school he was considering for ED while it was in session. Bates hosted interested students for overnight visits. Super helpful in reordering top choices!
35 will be more than fine. I would definitely submit!
A very high test score should be submitted. My D had a very high score and submitted to Bates. Did it help? Maybe, but I am 100% certain it didn’t hurt.
Someone mentioned flexible curriculum. Bates is very flexible. My daughter said right from the start that she effectively took whatever classes she liked because the requirements were so broad. As a graduate, she is surprised when her brother has to choose classes from the rigid core curriculum at his college. The classes she took at Bates are still mentioned regularly. In fact, it’s surprising how often Japanese Horror Films can creep into family conversations, haha.
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With his interest in Environmental Studies, I’d like to see Whitman on his list.
With his interest in Interest in International Relations and his long term study of Chinese, have you checked to be sure that all of the colleges on your list offer Chinese?
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