<p>i read in an article once that it's just a scheme to raise yield rates. if a living, breathing, thinking (who would've known?) person hands you a certificate, shakes your hand, and personally congratulates you for being accepted into X university, the average joe would be naturally inclined to accept that offer over another. especially when they ask you for a decision on the spot. it's like like denying someone a date to their face. most people would go along with it and break up later. but you don't want to break their (the college's) heart right then and there.</p>