<p>I know that Ithaca is a very fine school, and attracts top students. I mean, probably not Ivy league level, but competitive. It also has some terrific programs. So why is the acceptance rate something like 70%? Doesn't that seem off to you?</p>
<p>I think Ithaca accepts people generally in the range of what they are looking for; the money they get from more privileged kids goes to others for scholarship money. That’s just my two cents, at least.</p>
<p>I think that their applicant pool is small…a lot of the programs are very specialized because it is a “masters” level college. However, I believe that because it is so specialized, they are in the position where they are getting many “academically appropriate” applicants. If you look that the average SAT and GPA, it is about a B+/A- and a little lower than 1200. To me, that is your true indicator of student quality. This varies within program, with some majors looking for a better student, and others, a more average student. Compare it with Quinnipiac, another “masters” level college. Quinnipiac has a lower acceptance rate, but academics-wise their students rank lower. Quinnipiac has more applicants, also, for some, a better location…just some thoughts…</p>