I see the Globe is reporting that applications to BC fell from 34,051 to 25,000 (while BU's incidentally went up by about 9,000 to over 52,000). BC's admissions office is attributing the reduction to the inclusion of a new 400 word essay requirement in the application allegedly intended to reduce the numbers applying while increasing the quality.

Does this sound right to you? Or do you think that is a convenient CYA excuse that ignores a number of issues like cost, competition, housing quality and, last but not least, BC's reputation on a national stage as a miserable loser in football and basketball?