<p>Problems with the application process stems from many sources.</p>
<p>First, technology in communication. This year's class received -- on an average -- no less than 100 unsolicited pieces of MAIL. This does not include the e-mails, the phone calls and other solicitations made by large univeristies, and even small universities.</p>
<p>Second, technology in information. With pages like that of CC and other sources, you relatively easily learn about the obscure, but good, schools. For instance, if you went to the list of LAC's that are "prestigious" you may have learned about schools like "Grinnell" or "Oberlin." I will put money that the vast majority of the seniors know what states those schools are in, but did not know those schools' states as recently as one year ago.</p>
<p>Third, technology in application. This is what is being discussed in this page in relation to the Common App and how it may be TOO EASY.</p>
<p>Fourth, the overly possessive baby boomer parents. Yes, that includes me. But, we are incredibly possessive and overbearing. And, we have bastardized the system by allowing this year's crop and many like it to deliver 10, 15, and even more applications.</p>
<p>Lastly, the kids must also be responsible. Why do you choose to listen to your parents when it comes time to bundle your college applications, but will not listen to your parents about more important issues -- like do not dress like B Spears tonight?</p>
<p>The result -- glut. The same number of kids, more or less, but delivering 50% more applications. Hence, the number of apps rise for almost all schools, at least the good ones. And, now the schools, flooded with well qualified candidates, have to read between the lines, interpret the essays to see if secretly coded messages say either "I am dying to go here" or "mom and dad are making me do this," hold hands and hum until a spirit comes to the seance to tell you what you need to know about Little Billy's intentions with that schools admissions office, or really take those tea leaf readings more seriously.</p>
<p>Unfortunately some applicants do not belong in the pool and their admission (because they have great numbers) eliminates the borderline kid. This is a shame. And, admissions knows this.</p>
<p>That is why some of the "better" kids are being rejected while the lesser kids are being "accepted." Be it tea leaves or seances or hunches, the crap shoot exists and the admissions people are trying to let in more than the top numbers. Sometimes, this is a shock as the top numbered kid may be misread and rejected from his or her first choice. </p>
<p>How do we make sure the school knows we want to go there? Only one solution I can see -- early admission. And, that will affect the money situation.</p>
<p>This is madness, and we are all to blame.</p>