Lana Oconnell
Each year, hundreds of thousands of students apply to colleges in the United States. The number of college applications has been steadily increasing over the years, with a dramatic increase in 2023. The Common Application, or Common App, has made it easier for students to apply to multiple colleges, with nearly 800 colleges and universities in the US and several dozen overseas accepting it. The number of distinct international applicants has also been increasing, with China, India, Ghana, Nigeria, and Canada being the leading countries for international applicants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total applications | 7,057,980 |
| Average number of applications per student | 5.7 |
| Number of distinct first-year applicants | 1,244,476 |
| Number of colleges applied to per student | 3-4 |
| Number of colleges with their own application system | 2 |
| Increase in number of applicants since 2019-20 | 30% |
| Increase in number of distinct first-year applicants since 2019-20 | 21% |
| Number of colleges with ultra-low admission rates | 3.4% |
| Number of colleges admitting two-thirds or more of applicants | 53.3% |
| Number of high school graduates enrolling in college | 2.2 million |
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What You'll Learn
Applications increased by 30% from 2019-2020 to 2023
Applications to colleges have seen a notable increase in 2023. The number of applicants rose by 30% from 2019-2020 to 2023, with a total of 7,057,980 applications in the current cycle, compared to 5,434,484 in 2019-2020. This increase can be attributed to various factors, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on college applications in the previous years.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly influenced the college application process, with a noticeable shift in requirements and admission trends. In 2019-2020, 74% of applicants submitted standardised test scores with their applications. However, following the pandemic, there was a significant drop, with only 5% of Common App members requiring these scores in 2021-2022. This change in requirements may have contributed to the surge in applications in 2023.
Additionally, the average number of applications per student has increased. In 2019-2020, the average student applied to 5.3 Common App member schools, while in the current cycle, this number rose to 5.7, representing an 8% increase. This trend suggests that students are becoming more selective in their college choices, possibly due to increased awareness of the importance of finding the right fit.
The rise in applications extends beyond the Common App platform. States like South Carolina and Texas witnessed remarkable growth rates of 74% and 69%, respectively, since 2019-2020. Conversely, a few states, including South Dakota, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, experienced notable declines in applicant numbers.
The increase in college applications in 2023 may also be influenced by the stabilisation of college enrollment rates. Following years of decline, total college enrollment appears to have stabilised in the spring of 2023. This trend could encourage more students to apply, anticipating higher chances of acceptance and enrollment.
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Most students apply to 5-8 colleges
Applying to college is a complex process, and students must consider various factors, including their academic record, the college's selectivity, and yield rates. While there is no magic number, it is generally recommended that students apply to five to eight colleges to increase their chances of acceptance into a suitable institution. This strategy allows for a balanced mix of "safety," "match," and "reach" schools.
Safety colleges are institutions with flexible admission standards where students have a high likelihood of acceptance. Most students apply to one safety school, but some may opt for both an academic safety and a financial safety option. Match colleges, on the other hand, are institutions that align with a student's needs and desires. These are colleges that the student would be happy to attend, even if they are not their first choice. It is recommended to have two to four match colleges on the list, as these are the top choices that offer the best fit, but acceptance is less certain.
Reach colleges are highly competitive and often have low acceptance rates. While these colleges may be a student's first choice, the chances of acceptance are lower. It is essential to have a balanced list with safety and match colleges to ensure that students have a range of acceptable options. By the end of their junior year, students should ideally have five to ten colleges under consideration. This allows for flexibility in terms of major choices, career plans, and financial considerations.
The number of applications can vary depending on individual circumstances and preferences. Some students may apply to as few as three to four colleges, while others may aim for six or more. The average number of applications per student has also increased over the years. For instance, the average number of Common App member schools applied to increased from 5.3 in 2019-20 to 5.7 in the current cycle.
In conclusion, while there is no one-size-fits-all approach, most students increase their chances of acceptance by applying to a range of five to eight colleges. This strategy ensures that students have a balanced list with safety, match, and reach options, ultimately leading to enrollment in a suitable institution.
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43% of applicants included a test score in 2023
While there are no precise figures on the number of students applying to universities each year, sources indicate that it is in the millions. For instance, in the US, about 3.3 million students graduate from high school annually, and about 66% of them enrol in college immediately, translating to about 2.2 million "traditional first-time freshmen". In the 2022-2023 academic year, 1.06 million enrolled college students (5.69%) were internationals.
In 2019-2020, there were 5,434,484 total applications (which counts the multiple applications made by most students) to 841 institutions that were Common App members. This number increased by 30% in the 2023 admissions cycle to 7,057,980 applications.
In the 2023-24 academic year, 1,244,476 distinct first-year applicants had applied to 841 colleges participating in the Common App through March 1, 2023. This represented an increase of 21% over 2019-2020, which was the last year when applications were not impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The number of applicants including a test score in their applications has fluctuated over the years. In 2019-2020, 74% of applicants reported a test score with their application. This percentage declined to 40% in 2020-2021 and rebounded slightly in 2021-2022 to 44%. In the 2023 admissions cycle, 43% of applicants included a test score with their application. This decrease may be attributed to the fact that fewer colleges required standardised test scores in the aftermath of the pandemic, dropping from 55% in 2019-2020 to just 5% in 2021-2022 and 4% in 2023.
The average number of applications per student varies, with some sources stating that students apply to between 3 and 8 colleges, while others state that the average is between 5 and 7.
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International applicants tripled since 2019-2020
While the number of college applicants has increased overall, the number of international applicants has increased at a much higher rate. International applicants to colleges in the US have more than tripled since 2019-2020, with a 55% increase compared to an 18% increase in domestic applicants. This means that the number of international applicants has increased at more than three times the rate of domestic applicants.
This increase in international applicants may be due to a variety of factors, including the increasing accessibility of international education and the growing reputation of US colleges and universities globally. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic may have played a role, as it caused a significant disruption to the college application process, with many students opting to defer their applications or take a gap year. As a result, the 2023-2024 application cycle may have included a larger number of applicants than usual, as students who postponed their plans during the pandemic resumed their college applications.
The increase in international applicants has had a significant impact on the overall application numbers for US colleges and universities. In the 2023-2024 application cycle, total applications increased by 30% compared to the 2019-2020 cycle, with a total of 7,057,980 applications received. This increase includes applications from both domestic and international students, with international students making up a substantial portion of the growth.
The rise in international applicants has also affected the demographics and diversity of the applicant pool. In the 2022-2023 academic year, international students made up 5.69% of enrolled college students in the US, with the majority of international applicants coming from China, India, Ghana, Nigeria, and Canada. This trend is expected to continue, with increasing numbers of international applicants in the following years, contributing to a more diverse and globally representative student population in US colleges and universities.
The increase in international applicants has important implications for US colleges and universities. It highlights the growing appeal of American higher education on a global scale and presents opportunities for cultural exchange and diversity enhancement on campuses. Additionally, the rise in international applicants may impact the admissions process, with colleges and universities potentially adjusting their selection criteria and enrollment strategies to accommodate the growing interest from international students.
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17 colleges admitted <10% of applicants in 2017
Every year, thousands of hopeful students apply to colleges and universities in the United States. The number of applicants varies depending on various factors, such as the state of the economy, the availability of financial aid, and the selectivity of the institution. In recent years, college applications have seen a significant increase. For instance, in 2023, total applications rose by 30% compared to the 2019-2020 cycle, with 7,057,980 applications across 841 Common App member institutions.
While the majority of colleges and universities admit most of the applicants, there are a few dozen schools with ultralow admission rates that receive a lot of attention. In 2017, 17 colleges admitted fewer than 10% of applicants, including prestigious institutions such as Stanford (4.7% admission rate), Harvard (5.2%), Yale (6.9%), and Northwestern (9.2%). These highly competitive schools accounted for just 4.1% of total student enrollment.
The low admission rates at these elite colleges have garnered even more attention due to scandals involving wealthy parents bribing their children's way into desirable schools. However, it's important to note that these colleges represent a small fraction of all colleges and universities in the United States.
The expansion of the Common Application has made it easier for students to apply to multiple schools, contributing to the increase in application volume. The Common App is accepted by nearly 800 colleges and universities in the US and several dozen overseas. However, it's worth mentioning that not all colleges and universities participate in the Common App, and it may not be the only application platform they use.
The college admissions process is a complex and dynamic landscape, with various factors influencing application and admission rates. While the ultralow admission rates at elite colleges capture the spotlight, it's essential to recognize that the vast majority of colleges and universities in the US admit most of their applicants.
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Frequently asked questions
It varies year to year, but in 2023, 1,244,476 distinct first-year applicants applied to 841 colleges participating in the Common App. This was an increase of 21% from 2019-2020.
This depends on the student, but it is recommended that students apply to five to eight colleges. This should be a mix of "safety," "match," and "reach" colleges.
This depends on the college and the year. For example, in 2019-2020, Common App members received 5,434,484 applications, while in 2023, they received 7,057,980 applications.
