The New York Times today featured a story quoting Lee Coffin on the touchy feely extra essay questions Tufts asks applicants to submit with their $75 check to be considered for admission.

Coffin said that after they decide on the geniuses (aren't we all geniuses?) and the rejects (there's always next year) a surprising number of middle-fiddle candidates remain.  Coffin said the recs and essays “all pretty much say the same things.”

What does he expect college recs to say? "Billy is an average student who doesn't really care or try or shower." "Jessica is one the most mid-range students I've ever taught." What does he expect students to write as essays? "I love my dog Spot, he saved a chipmunk and that's why he's my life hero."

Maybe these creative essay question options aren't such a bad idea after all...