<p>I wish that the admissions decisions were more transparent. Perhaps that’s not possible, or perhaps colleges like presenting incredibly low acceptance rates; I’m sure strong arguments will be made for both points.</p>
<p>Students could match themselves more accurately to colleges if they knew what the colleges genuinely wanted. The number of applications would go down. The process would be easier on students, admissions committee members would get some sleep, and high school guidance counselors would not send out every message they could that the number of applications has to be lower.</p>
<p>As it is, most of us believe that there is a significant element that appears random in the decisions for students who meet basic GPA and SAT requirements. You don’t need to be a statistician to know that if the entry fee is low compared to the perceived payoff, and the process is random, then you increase the number of games you enter. Hence, lots of applications.</p>
<p>Ever watch people buy lottery tickets? Who buys just one?</p>