Do This Year’s College Applicants Stand A Chance?

The word of the year–unprecedented–applies to almost every facet of our lives, including, this year’s college admissions cycle. Seniors across the country are waiting to hear back from schools unless they have been accepted early decision (an early, binding option to attend a single school). This year, there may be more surprises than ever before. 

Many factors contributed to this year’s unpredictable enrollment cycle. Due to COVID-19, many colleges and universities no longer require the SAT or ACT standardized tests that once dominated the admissions process. Additionally, the international student population, who are usually full-pay students that make up a large percentage of a school’s tuition income, has decreased. This leaves colleges hungry for more full-pay domestic students, making financial aid less available. Compoundingly, students’ financial circumstances have changed because of job losses. Also, students have more free time this year to fill out applications, contributing to an overall increase in applications for fall 2021, especially for prestigious schools. Lastly, many 2020 high school graduates took a gap year, which is increasing the overall number of applicants this cycle. 

The University of California (UC) saw a record-high increase in their fall 2021 applications (a whopping 16.1% increase from last year), specifically from BIPOC applicants, diversifying its student body. The president of the American Council of Education, Ted Mitchell, said universities often pardon their uneven demographics as a result of low application levels from BIPOC communities, but the UCs won’t be able to use that excuse this year. 

A Los Angeles Times article attributes this increase to the UC’s new test-blind approach (admissions officers will not consider any standardized testing score).

For some students, specifically, those whose test scores aren’t reflective of their knowledge or who can’t afford a tutor, the increase in test-optional schools could lead to more opportunities. However, this means more competition for all applicants.

A lack of test scores is not the only marker missing this year. The article states, “high grades in rigorous AP and honors courses, distinctive extracurricular activities”, and other distinguishing factors are absent this year. This could mean the difference between rejection and acceptance. 

A CNBC article reported that many high-ranking colleges this year are accepting fewer students in their early applications due to a swell in applicants. For example, Harvard had a 51% increase in applicants from last year, while their early acceptance rate decreased by 6.5%. Many other Ivy Leagues like Yale, Dartmouth, and the University of Pennsylvania are seeing a similar increase in applications. 

However, according to Angel Perez, CEO of the National Association for College Admission Counseling, this is not the case at other universities. With the exception of highly selective private colleges and large public universities, many colleges are actually seeing a decrease in applications. This decline is felt most within first-generation applicants who feel distance learning is not worth the tuition. 

Although many Ivy Leagues are turning applicants away, the vast majority of colleges in the United States are hungry for students, preferably those who can pay. So, it might be beneficial to think outside of the box when considering the future. 

According to Kora Shin, the Associate Director of College Counseling at the School, “The college admissions journey is often an emotion-ridden experience with both highs and lows, even without the added burden of distance learning, increased uncertainty around the admissions landscape, and the countless life challenges posed by a global pandemic. Your counselors know that the spring may bring tough news for some seniors and encourage them to lean on us for advice and support as decisions are released. We are here for you.”

Most of these circumstances are out of our control as students, so as frustrating and scary as it might be, we have to accept them. With all the unpredictability this year, who knows, there might be a couple of pleasant surprises too!