Duke's yield percentage

[jumpfroggyjump]

<p>

@eatsalot

Many students apply ED because they understand that it’s easier to get in and they’re willing to forgo chances at other top schools.

</p>

<p>

@eatsalot

the point is that Penn and Columbia’s yield is artificially high because of how ED skews it.

</p>

<p>I agree with both these points, but they are separate issues from the RP study and cross-admit battles. The percentage that each school takes ED is irrelevant when dealing with head-to-head scenarios between schools. ED students are not part of the study because they cannot possibly choose between two schools, given that they have already chosen one.</p>

<p>

@eatsalot

Since I work with the admissions office, I asked my admissions officers why they don’t accept more ED applications. They said that they don’t like playing the game as much as Penn, Columbia, et al, and that they know many students don’t apply ED in fear that they will be bound to a school that they cannot afford. In other words, they perceive that they are trying to be more fair.

</p>

<p>This is spin, plain and simple. The reason why Duke doesn’t accept more ED applications is because that would weaken the strength of the student body. The ED applicant pool at Columbia/Penn is deeper than that at Duke. That is why they can accept a higher percentage of ED students than Duke. If you truly believe that Duke cares more about “fairness” than its peer institutions, then I’ve got a bridge in Brooklyn I’d love to sell you.</p>