<p>That is unfounded reasoning (post # 11 above):</p>
<p>– High school graduates understand the premium on college education in the modern age
– Especially in a downturn, there are less work opportunities for high school kids who don’t want to attend college
– There will be greater number of applicants who will apply to the top and middle tier UCs than ever – driven by parents who wish to take advantage of a high quality education offered by the UCs at significantly lower tuition than private schools
– UCs will be watching freshman numbers – perhaps controlling them further in light of all their own budget-cutting, as well as to avoid classroom crowding
– More than ever before, UC admissions this year was stricter in standards and fewer frosh admits. This is likely to continue to set the new template going forward</p>
<p>Thinking otherwise is engaging in wishful, even fanciful, thinking.</p>