"Protecting yield" in the context of college admissions refers to strategies used by colleges and universities to ensure that a high percentage of admitted students actually enroll. The concept of "yield" in admissions is the ratio of students who decide to enroll in a college after being offered admission. A higher yield rate is often viewed as an indicator of a college's desirability and prestige.
Colleges aim to protect their yield for several reasons:
- Predictability: High yield rates make it easier for colleges to predict class sizes and allocate resources efficiently.
- Rankings: Yield rates can affect college rankings, as a higher yield is often interpreted as a measure of the institution's attractiveness.
- Financial Planning: Knowing how many students are likely to enroll helps with budgeting and financial aid planning.
To protect their yield, colleges might:
- Early Decision Programs: These are binding agreements where students commit to enroll if accepted, which can significantly increase yield rates.
- Engagement with Admitted Students: Colleges often engage admitted students through personalized communications, admitted student days, and outreach from current students or alumni to encourage enrollment.
- Selective Admissions: By carefully selecting who to admit based on demonstrated interest and likelihood of enrollment, colleges can better predict and protect their yield.
Understanding "protecting yield" is crucial for applicants because it highlights the importance of demonstrating genuine interest in a college, which can affect their chances of admission. This concept underscores the strategic aspect of college admissions, both from the institution's and the applicant's perspectives.
