<p>"I'd argue that for the most part, that the kids who are throwing out multiple applications with the idea of increasing odds are also the ones with the slimmest chances at the schools they apply to; on the other end of the spectrum are the ED kids, who of course have the greatest chances of admission."</p>
<p>I doubt it - in fact, I think the data would show the opposite - the ED reject is likely to throw in the largest number of applications. This is at prestige schools of course, which is a tiny, tiny sliver of the college-bound population. </p>
<p>Of course, in my day, folks did put in multiple applications. A typical grad from my high school would apply to City College, Brooklyn College, Queens College, and, maybe Baruch, and then have Hofstra, Long Island U., St. John's, or NYU as a safety.</p>