A Big Shift in Elite Admissions
If you are a high school senior who has been dreaming of attending an Ivy League college, you may be surprised to learn that a big shift in elite admissions has been taking place over the past few years. More and more students are applying to colleges earlier in the process, and many schools are implementing a single application deadline.
Application volume through the middle of February increased nearly 10 percent from the preceding year
There are many factors that have contributed to the recent increase in college applications. The number of first-generation students, for example, has shown an impressive surge. It will be interesting to see how these numbers translate to offers of admission. In addition, it’s also worth looking at the numbers of underrepresented minority students.
The University of California, Los Angeles saw an enrollment jump of thirty percent during the 2020-2021 academic year, with Black applicants up 48 percent and Chicano and Latinx applicants up 33 percent. Brown University also experienced a substantial increase in applications.
One reason for the increased application volume is that more schools are accepting test-optional admission policies. This trend is likely to continue. However, a shift in applicant behavior is also possible. Historically underrepresented racial/ethnic minority (URM) subgroups are more likely to include entrance exam scores, which may account for this rise.
During the same period, the percentage of applications accepted at the top 20 public universities dropped by about a quarter. On the other hand, application volumes increased for all but the most competitive schools. Among private institutions, less selective colleges saw an increase of about 2 percent, and the top ten colleges in the most competitive category saw an increase of around 25 percent.
Common App, which tracks application activity at 853 member schools, reported an increase in first-generation and underrepresented minority students. Additionally, there were significant increases in applications from foreign countries.
Application volume also increased for midwestern colleges. While it is unclear why this growth occurred, some experts believe it is due to test-optional admission policies and virtual recruiting strategies. These initiatives have allowed institutions to target more applicants and increase geographic diversity.
Single application deadline without early decision
During the 2021-2022 admissions cycle, some of the top universities saw record application numbers. Harvard, Yale, and Northwestern were among the most popular, but other schools, such as Brown and Dartmouth, had even more applicants.
Early decision, or ED, is a college admissions process that lets a student select one school to attend. The early-decision deadline is typically in November, and students who take advantage of the opportunity will have a much better chance of being accepted.
ED also offers a student more time to prepare for college and reduces the stress involved in waiting for a decision. It’s an ideal choice for student-athletes who have done their research and are ready to commit to a school.
Some universities have a single application deadline, while others require students to submit their applications by November 1. Even if a school has a late application deadline, it’s always best to apply early. You’ll know if you’re accepted sooner and be able to save on costs associated with going to college later.
Another option is Single-Choice Early Action, which is a non-binding way to let a college know you’re interested. This type of ED isn’t for everyone, but it can be a good way to demonstrate your interest.
If you’re not sure what kind of early-decision application is right for you, talk to an admissions professional. A consultant like Doris McLaughlin, who has over 30 years of experience working in undergraduate admissions at Ivy League schools, is a great resource. She specializes in campus tours of Ivy League schools and offers advice on applying to elite universities.
Whether you choose Early Decision or Single-Choice Early Action, the most important thing is to be sure you’re willing to commit to attending college.
Ivy League schools receive more early applications
Ivy League schools receive more early applications than ever before. Students want to attend top colleges for a variety of reasons. However, getting accepted can be difficult. To help prospective students better understand the admission process, Ivy League officials have provided some insight.
The most competitive colleges and universities are not necessarily the most selective. Ivy League institutions have a holistic review process that looks at both quantitative and qualitative factors. As such, there is a wide range of acceptance rates among them.
While the number of applications to Ivy League schools is on the rise, the average acceptance rate is still relatively low. This is a problem that colleges and universities are working to address. One way they can do so is by offering more options to early applicants.
Many Ivy League schools offer early decision programs. Students can apply to receive a decision before the December deadline. These admissions aren’t guaranteed, but they can significantly increase the chances of acceptance. It is also a good idea to check the website of the institution you are applying to to learn more about their program.
Another advantage to applying to an early round is that the school will often accept applicants with more unusual talents. For example, some schools are looking for candidates with musical talent. They may also reserve a portion of their early acceptances for students who are from low-income families.
Early action and early decision programs aren’t for everyone. Students are typically required to have stellar grades and test scores. Additionally, they need to stand out in their applications. Often, the best way to do that is to focus on activities they are passionate about.
Colleges in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest have been hit hardest
The elite admissions shift has hit colleges in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest harder than others. Despite a record number of applications, acceptance rates at these schools are expected to remain low.
Colleges in the Northeast, particularly in the region’s mountain states, have seen the least growth in enrollment. But some larger schools are experiencing an increase.
The trend is particularly troubling for students who need financial aid. Most colleges rely on tuition dollars as their largest revenue source. These revenue streams are shrinking. As a result, many smaller, less-competitive institutions are also seeing fewer applicants.
Many first-generation students are applying at lower rates. A large percentage of these students are from working class families with incomes at or above the national median. They do not have the money to pay for college and are not applying at the same rate as before.
Some colleges are willing to use waiting lists. Others are open to flexible deadlines. This could lead to more applicants.
The most selective schools, such as Harvard, Yale, and Cornell, are seeing record application numbers. However, these increases will not translate into more access to higher education. Rather, they will widen the disparities between elite schools and the rest of the college community.
Many of these applications come from international students. The number of new international students decreased by 16 percent in the fall.
Those students who deferred last year will start in the fall of 2021. By then, their chances of getting off the waitlist will be better. Yet, these students are taking seats away from fall 2021 hopefuls.
If the shift in elite admissions isn’t reversed, it could stifle racial diversity. That’s because the current framework of race-based preferences disproportionately helps upper-middle class students of color.
Students for Fair Admissions are fighting for fairness
A lawsuit filed by Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) against Harvard University is now under federal review. It is the latest chapter in a long history of SFFA, an organization of conservative activists led by Edward Blum.
The group claims that Harvard discriminates against Asian-American applicants. They also claim that it imposes artificial caps on the number of Asian students who can enroll.
SFFA’s lawsuit argues that the school is violating the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by denying Asian-Americans the opportunity to attend. Several plaintiffs are high-achieving Asian-Americans who received top marks on their SAT II subject tests.
Despite the lawsuit, it is unclear whether or not Harvard will make any changes to its admissions processes. The university has a policy that looks for many characteristics in applicants, including special talents, maturity, and community service.
SFFA’s suit is a conservative take on affirmative action, arguing that the system is not fair to Asian-American applicants. The plaintiffs allege that Harvard’s race-conscious admissions policy discriminates against Asian-Americans.
SFFA isn’t the only group advocating for fairness in elite college admissions. There are also a variety of student groups at elite universities who have launched petitions calling for greater transparency in the admissions process.
While the idea of fairness in admissions is a noble one, it’s also an imperfect one. Ultimately, fairness means evaluating all aspects of applicants to find a match between the applicant and the college.
Fairness is a complex topic, and the question needs to be addressed to various constituencies. In addition to fairness, colleges should also strive to maintain a diverse and diverse student body.