Why Are Applications Increasing?

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If you’ve ever wondered why college applications are increasing, you’re not alone. While some institutions appear to be struggling, others appear to be steadily growing. There are also test-optional colleges that may be a good fit for you. Continue reading to learn more. Don’t be alarmed if the number of applications increases. There are numerous ways to stay up to date on trends.

Applying to a Higher Number of Schools

A common application used by over 900 colleges increased college applications by 13.9 percent in just one year, according to several recent studies. Despite the fact that first-generation students and underrepresented minorities made up the majority of applicants, the Common App reported significant increases in first-generation and underrepresented minority applicants. Furthermore, more than half of all applications come from ZIP codes in the top 10% of income distribution. Furthermore, applications from underrepresented groups nearly tripled, while international applicants nearly quadrupled. As a result of this trend, there has been an increase in applications to prestigious universities. International student applications increased by 29 percent, 39 percent, and 42 percent, respectively, according to a 24/7 Wall St. study. One-third of the increase in applications to prestigious universities such as Yale and Harvard was accounted for by international applicants. According to the University of Pennsylvania, the percentage of early-admission applicants at these schools increased by 34%. However, this trend did not result in an increase in acceptance rates.

Keeping the momentum going

It takes some effort to keep it up when applying to colleges, but it is critical to highlight all of your extracurricular activities. Although this may appear tedious, it will help you remember all of your achievements. The most convenient way to keep track of your extracurricular activities is to keep a journal. You should also keep all of your awards in a folder. You can also make digital lists of extracurricular activities. Keeping track of extracurricular activities is important for college applications, and there are several methods for doing so.

Identifying the best match for you

Examining individual college websites to see what they have to offer is an important part of the college selection process. College websites include links to student blogs, newspapers, and virtual tours, as well as basic school information. These can assist you in determining whether the college is a good fit for you. You should use your answers to college questions to help you narrow down your list to a manageable number. To determine which colleges best match your academic profile and interests, consult with your high school counselor. He or she can help you find the best match. You can also use Collegevine’s chancing calculator to estimate your chances of admission. This tool considers a variety of factors, including GPA, test scores, and extracurricular activities, to generate a list of prospective schools.

Test-Optional or Test-Blind Policies

Test-optional admissions have reached an all-time high, thanks to the COVID pandemic, which has caused many college students to forego the SAT. Only a few colleges, including Harvard, Brown, and Princeton, currently require standardized tests. However, more colleges are making this change, and it is gaining popularity among both students and colleges. Admissions that are test-optional are more than just a lack of standardized tests.

A new study investigates the relationship between test-optional college admissions policies and enrollment data from a wider range of institutions. It discovers that between 2005-06 and 2015-16, college enrollments of underrepresented groups increased by 6% to 8%. Enrollment increased even more among students who received federal Pell Grants, increasing by as much as 10% to 12% in those demographics.

Application deadlines

Unlike term paper deadlines, college application deadlines are not set in stone, and your success is dependent on more than just you. The school you attended, your transcripts, and letters of recommendation are frequently used to determine deadlines. In September, contact reference people to get these early and avoid last-minute panic attacks. Alternatively, request letters in advance. The majority of applications contain a combination of items. The important dates to keep in mind are listed below.

If you’re concerned about missing a deadline, apply to other colleges using rolling admissions. You’ll be able to submit your application when the next round opens. You can start school in the spring or take classes at a community college before transferring to a four-year university. This method can save you a lot of money on tuition and fees. The following are some important college application deadlines: