Anyone who looked at applications side by side, he added, found it hard to make distinctions.
"I think as we look at applications, first and foremost it's our racetracks," O'Donnell said.
"Participation -- even if you don't win -- makes colleges take a close look at applications," said Mr. Keany, of Manhasset.
You couldn't look at applications in such a simple way, and I think that's all to the good.
The narrowband network will be aimed at applications like messaging services and car computers with smaller data needs.
It recently raised staff levels and now takes a closer look at applications, requiring better documentation of claims.
By the same token, sometimes the lenders look at applications that score high but have some serious problem.
"Instead of trying to organically create their own property, they're looking at applications with traction and cherry-picking the ones that seem like a good fit".
The Press Association's analysis looked at applications made through the main Ucas scheme to study European languages, literature and related courses, and the resulting number of acceptances.
