<p>^Tufts dropped their optional essays because they were unable to convince applicants they were optional. Too bad, because my son really enjoyed writing that essay - it was part of the reason why he wanted to apply to Tufts.</p>
<p>That said I don’t disagree that many schools do play fast and loose with the truth sometimes. Given that all colleges overaccept (even Harvard!) because they know from history that a certain percentage will turn them down, I see no issues whatsoever for kids to wait until they are absolutely positive where they want to attend. And they shouldn’t feel guilty if that day is April 30 - which it was for both my kids.</p>