The "avalanche" of applications isn't just from the lack of standardized test scores, but the rise of the Common application platform.
It's incredibly easy to fill it out once and then fire off a dozen applications in an afternoon.
It's incredibly easy to fill it out once and then fire off a dozen applications in an afternoon.
You're also not allowed to apply to both Oxford and Cambridge in the same year - otherwise both universities would get twice as many applicants.
Every college predicts its yield and admits enough extra to get a full class. It’s basic college admissions.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yield_(college_admissions) https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-yield-788445