The University of California is allowing all campuses to use letters of recommendation in admissions decisions for the first time for fall of 2018. BUT no more than 15% of freshman applicants can be asked to submit letters, and then only when schools need additional information to make an admissions decision. Don't get too excited: Letters will likely be used sparingly, since UC officials say 98% of admissions decisions are made using grades, courses, test scores, activities and essay responses on standard applications. [L.A. Times]

Well, this is awkward. Harvard's graduate theater program is suspending admissions for the next three years. The reason why is even worse: the federal government called out the institute for burdening its students with loan debt averaging about $78,000 each. [NYT]