Bad Weather Casts Cloud Over College Application Decisions

"Students who toured on a rainy or excessively hot day were 8.3 percent and 10.1 percent less likely to apply, respectively, than someone who toured on a moderate day. Cloudy and cold conditions also lessened the likelihood that a tour participant would apply."

"Given how important this decision of where students go to college is, as far as their future earnings, I think it's important that we have an understanding of the factors that are affecting these decisions."

"The report notes that their results might be somewhat confounded by students and parents specifically booking tours on fairer days. Those who are significantly invested in an institution might be more inclined to check the forecast and visit on a day with good weather."

Researchers at Amherst College examined whether weather conditions on the day of a campus tour affect students' decisions to apply to college. Using data from a Northeast college, they found that students touring on rainy days were 8.3 percent less likely to apply, while those visiting on excessively hot days were 10.1 percent less likely to apply compared to those touring on moderate weather days. Cloudy and cold conditions also reduced application likelihood. The researchers acknowledge potential confounding factors, noting that highly motivated students and parents may schedule tours on forecasted fair-weather days, meaning those touring in poor conditions might be less invested in the institution. This research contributes to understanding how seemingly minor factors influence college choices and educational inequality.

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