<p>Could one make that case that the application and selectivity stats of colleges (U Chicago, Tufts, Barnard, BC, et al.) which require one or multiple essays, and especially those whose prompts ask an applicant to truly think and reflect, are, in essence, more “impressive” than the stats of colleges which require no essay from the general applicant (thinking of Wash U)? </p>
<p>It seems we’re seeing a greater correlation between the “ease” of the application process and the numbers of applicants to a school–except in the case of the first three schools mentioned, whose numbers went up noticeably this year despite the relative “difficulty” of applying. BC’s diminished numbers will likely rebound. (Trying to sound math-ish here and probably failing miserably, artist-type that I am…)</p>