<p>As I've recently noticed, Michigan has switched to the common application. Will this improve their selectivity. What I'm trying to get at is, will this make it's reputation greater than it is already ?</p>
<p>I would think so. Being part of the common app will probably bring more applicants and more applicants = more selectivity and more reputable students.</p>
<p>Joining the Common Application generally increases the size of the applicant pool, but can lower the yield rate. As such, you usually get an increase in applications and an increase in acceptances. Michigan has wisely decided to add two supplemental essays, which should weed out a lot of the problems associated with a common application. I do not foresee Michigan’s yield dropping much (probably from 43% this year to 37% after a few years). </p>
<p>This said, selectivity will definitely increase over the years. Part of the problem until now is that the growth in the applicant pool has been primarily in-state, and the state government dictates admissions for in-state students. With the common application, Michigan will see a surge in OOS applicants, which is where Michigan can afford being more selective.</p>
<p>Do they post stats regarding OOS acceptances vs attendees? I just wonder what the trend has been over the last few years. My thinking is that the OOS tuition is just going to hurt them if they continue to grow the numbers which will effect quality and reputation.</p>