In 2023, I visited Florida Atlantic University, Lynn University, Florida Institute of Technology, Beacon College, Rollins College, the University of Central Florida, University of Georgia, Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Savannah College of Art and Design Atlanta Campus (advertising), Elon University, Wake Forest University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State at Raleigh, Duke University, Hofstra University, Rowan University, Carnegie Mellon, University of Pittsburgh, Case Western Reserve University, The Ohio State University, Miami University Oxford, University of Dayton, University of Cincinnati, New Jersey Institute of Technology, and Princeton University.
On visits, admissions deans and reps tell us about new programs, which majors are the toughest admits, and what they want to see in applicants. Sometimes I read between the lines and anticipate strategies a college is taking to increase yield, which helps me anticipate outcomes for my students. Walking campuses allows me to experience the vibes and culture. Best of all, I visit colleges with my professional colleagues–we learn from each other every day, whether we travel or stay at our desks.
Speaking of professionals and visiting colleges, I encourage every family to work with a professional, whether it is me or not. Many people doing college consulting are “private” but uncredentialed and do not meet the standards of professional networks and organizations. We commit to a code of ethics as well as continually gain knowledge directly from institutions, continuing education, and fellow members of professional organizations such as NACAC, IECA, and HECA. I chose to become a Certified Educational Planner (see below) because I want families to trust in my level of professionalism.
In March, I am off to South Carolina, the most popular state for my applicants, to see Clemson University, the University of South Carolina, College of Charleston, Coastal Carolina University, and Wofford and Furman Colleges. I’ll be doing Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts tours in May. Expect to see lots of notes and photos. After that? I will keep you posted on my travels to come!
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More students are applying to college
More students are applying to more colleges
More low income and international applicants are applying
More students are being deferred to the RD pool
The number of account creators grew over 200,000 from 2022-2023 to 2023–24 – an increase of 9%. The number of applications submitted per student continues to rise. Colleges are struggling to handle the volume in the fall, thus contributing to deferrals.
Deferrals are growing at colleges at every level of competitiveness–even among full-pay students. A few examples: last year, the University of Tampa surprised students with deferrals as their admit rate swiftly dropped. The College of Charleston recently deferred 20 students, many of whom assumed it would be a likely option, at one NJ high school. The surge in computer science and engineering applicants is impacting decisions at tech schools. Case Western Reserve is offering merit aid to students who agree to start their first year in the spring, and encouraging deferred students to switch to ED2. We predict many colleges will urge students to take the ED 2 option.
Students reporting eligibility for a Common App fee waiver increased at over four times the rate of students not reporting fee waiver eligibility (18% vs. 4%). Growth in applicants from below median income ZIP codes continued to outpace their peers at 14% (versus 5% in 2022-2023).
International applications dropped during the pandemic, but now have surged past their 2019-2020 levels. Here’s a dramatic shift: growth in the number of international applicants continues to far outpace growth in domestic applicants at 19% since 2022–23 (versus 7% domestic). In addition to the expected large numbers of applicants from China and India, growth is fastest among applicants with citizenship in Ghana (173%), Mongolia (76%), Ukraine (46%), Kazakhstan (40%), and Morocco (35%).
Deferrals may be frustrating, but they are not denials. More about that in 2024.
After most ED 1 Decisions, some students are happy, others disappointed.
My seniors have worked hard, perfecting applications since the spring. Together, we crafted essays that express their defining qualities and fine-tuned attention-getting activity lists. I helped them honestly choose majors (including undeclared/exploratory) that speak to their direction. We balanced college lists between Likely, Possible, and Reach categories. That’s why many students have been receiving “You’re In!” messages for a while, some with scholarships for over $100,000 over four years. And yes, some of those are Reaches.
When students set their hearts on Unlikely colleges (those which deny 85% plus applicants), I try to help them manage expectations. “Unlikely” colleges are truly “Wild Cards.” Every applicant is highly qualified, and may include up to 26,000+ valedictorians, an equal number of salutatorians, and students from all over the globe, many of whom have won academic competitions and published notable work.
While we all hope for good news, assuming admission is unrealistic. It may feel personal, but it is not. Institutional priorities dictate if a school is looking for students to fill their new data science major, more tuba players, or more kids from Idaho.
I make clear that the competition in an uber-competitive program (i.e., a STEM field like Computer Science or Engineering) in a most-selective institution is brutal. Admissions must make tough decisions among the highest achievers in the field–in the US and internationally. And while admission to some colleges seems achievable, applying to the business school may result in a denial.
A few students were deferred from a college that defers 90% of its applicants every year. I am relieved that although they were disappointed, they were not shocked.
Denials and deferrals are part of the college application process.
“If you are denied, repeat this mantra: ‘There will be other, better colleges for me and it is their loss.’ LET IT GO. Don't obsess about why it happened. It is out of your control. And most importantly, this is NOT a referendum on your success at college, your ability to have a happy life or your value as a person.”
I’m rooting for you, from now through May 1st.
Enjoy the holidays!