If yield rates are a factor in rankings, do you believe that USC or any of the top-ranked schools are starting to actively engage in yield protection?
I saw how the idea of yield protection speculation rose again back in March-April here on CC. It seemed like a # of kids admitted to a slate of HYPSM level schools were also being denied at USC, UVa, BU, etc. If you happen to be someone looking at admission letters from all 5 of the colleges ranked in the top 5 of US News college rankings, it must be a shock to also have a rejection in-hand from USC or a school ranked much lower. It could of course be due to a # of factors, including how nonchalantly they may have approached the USC application or other school’s applications. But it does make me wonder if schools might be actively looking to deny kids who they suspect will never be attending even if admitted… as a potential way to better their own school’s yield rate.
I personally just wish that USC had an early admissions program of some kind. It could clearly allow for the highest level of demonstrated interest and also raise the yield rate in the process. USC is my daughter’s top choice now… but she has no other alternative but to also apply to a # of other schools… since that USC golden ticket will not arrive (even if it hopefully does) until late March.