Unveiling the Surging Tide: Navigating University Applications for 2023-24

Are you ready for a groundbreaking shift in the university admissions landscape? A recent report has illuminated a noteworthy surge in students applying to colleges for the upcoming academic year of 2023-24. The numbers are staggering, reflecting a paradigm shift in the application domain and pointing towards a new chapter in the collegiate story.

University Application News

A recent report indicates a significant rise in the number of students applying to colleges for the upcoming academic year of 2023—24. According to data from the Common Application, which tracks applications to four-year institutions, there has been a remarkable increase in applications received up to November 1, 2022.

Until that date, 748,118 first-year applicants applied to 841 colleges participating in the Common App. This number demonstrated a 26% increase over the pre-pandemic year of 2019–20 when there were 592,471 applicants. Compared to last year, this marks an increase of nearly 72,000 applicants.

The figures focus on the 841 institutions that were part of the Common App for the entire comparison period from 2019-20. Due to the pandemic's strong impact on college applications in the past two admission cycles, the report compares not only to last year but also to the more typical 2019—20 admissions cycle. Even though not all colleges use the Common App, it remains the most comprehensive source for college application information available currently.

Up to November 1, the total number of applications (which includes multiple applications made by most students) increased by 41%, reaching 2,853,554 in 2022–23 from 2,030,120 in 2019–20. On average, applicants applied to more Common App member schools in 2022–23 (3.8) than in 2019–20 (3.4), marking a 12% increase.

Applicant Diversity

Underrepresented minority applicants grew by 32% since 2019–20, and first-generation-to-college applicants increased by 43%, more than double the rate of continuing-generation applicants during the same period. Additionally, students eligible for a Common App fee waiver increased at almost three times the rate of students not reporting fee waiver eligibility (54% vs. 16%).

Early applicants typically came from higher socioeconomic backgrounds. Around 61% of domestic applicants at this stage hailed from the most affluent 20% of ZIP codes nationwide, compared to only five per cent from the lowest quintile.

The number of international applicants increased by more than triple the rate of domestic applicants since 2019–20 (63% vs. 20%). Leading countries for international applicants include China, India, Nigeria, Ghana, and Canada.

Institutional Trends

Applications to public colleges and universities increased more significantly (+44%) compared to private institutions (+28%) since 2019—20.

Applications to the most selective institutions (admit rates below 25%) increased the most since 2019–20 (+45%), while applications to less selective institutions (admit rates 75% and above) also grew well (38%). Most applications were submitted to less selective member institutions (with admit rates at or above 50%).

Test Scores

By November 2022, less than half (48%) of applicants reported standardized test scores, a decline from 78% in 2019—20. Underrepresented minorities, first-generation applicants, and fee waiver requesters were less likely to include test scores in their applications.

Regional Variation

Increases in applications were widespread across the U.S., with significant growth in states like South Carolina, Texas, and Alabama. In contrast, some states experienced declines, such as South Dakota, Utah, Connecticut, Vermont, and Maine.

Understanding these application trends and their implications is crucial for high school students planning their collegiate journey. Whether exploring the surge in applications or the changes in test score reporting, being informed is key to making informed decisions about college choices and the application process.

As we conclude our exploration of the shifting landscape in college admissions for the upcoming academic year, it's evident that change is in the air. The surge in college applications presents both opportunities and challenges for aspiring students like you. Understanding these evolving trends is key to making well-informed decisions as you navigate the exciting yet competitive journey toward higher education.

Ready to chart your course through these changing tides of college applications? Join ALL-in today!