2024 Was NOT Peak College Admissions Insanity
On May 1st, 2024, The New York Times released an opinion piece claiming 2024 was "The Year That Broke College Admissions".
And if I were a parent or student going through this process, the title would be enough to send me into a panic, let alone the first paragraph:
"Selective college admissions have been a vortex of anxiety and stress for what seems like forever, inducing panic in more top high school seniors each year. But the 2023-24 admissions season was not just an incremental increase in the frantic posturing and high-pressure guesswork that make this annual ritual seem like academic Hunger Games. This year was different. A number of factors — some widely discussed, some little noticed — combined to push the process into a new realm in which the old rules didn’t apply and even the gatekeepers seemed not to know what the new rules were." - Daniel Currell
Are you worried?…Of course you are! This paragraph sounds HORRIBLE! Now let's break down why Mr. Currell is COMPLETELY WRONG.
Statement 1: The increase in the number of people applying is not rising proportional to available spots.
Argument: Currell states that the Ivy-Plus schools cumulatively received over 500,000 applicants in 2022 versus a mere 175,000 in 2002. The available spots only increased by a few thousand.
Counter Argument: The Common Application and other similar application platforms launched their online portals AFTER 2002. Meaning, if you wanted to apply to a college, you had to do so by hand. This means it is much more accessible to apply to many schools now, it's the "if you did the Harvard application...might as well through in Yale...and Princeton...and Columbia" mentality. The NACAC, around 36% of applicants submitted 7+ college applications, which has tripled since 1995.
Statement 2: The quality of applicants has risen.
Argument: "In 2002, the nation produced 134 perfect ACT scores; in 2023 there were 2,542. Over the same period, the United States — and beyond it, the world — welcomed a great many more families into the ranks of the wealthy, who are by far the most likely to attend an elite college. Something had to give."
Counter Argument: I would hope the quality of applicants has risen! This isn’t the 80s....our parents didn’t smoke a pack of cigarettes a day while pregnant! Joking aside, the quality of applicants has risen as a result of societal norms and standards that have led to a larger emphasis on education and more well rounded, community focused children! You are a part of this societal change.
Statement 3: There were changes to the admissions landscape, which in turn changed the rules.
Argument: COVID-19 disrupted standardized testing requirements, leading to a surge in applications and greater market power for colleges, in addition to the option to not submit test scores. The end of race-based affirmative action and financial aid system failures further contributed to uncertainty and inequality.
Counter Argument: Yes, the college landscape has changed, and in ways it never has. But this is not something to fear! In his podcast "Admissions Beat" Lee Coffin, Dean of Admissions at Dartmouth College, says in response to this specific article that "the old rules still apply, they are just a bit more elastic".
What are the old rules then?
• Reading holistically
• Considering merit
• Meeting to review students 1 by 1
• Inviting you to tell your story
While navigating the college admissions process can seem daunting amidst various challenges and changes (and articles that instill fear and panic), it's important to remember that there are many pathways to success and opportunities. At CC.us, our goal is to ELIMINATE STRESS!
Let US do the worrisome analysis of admissions trends and research on how to maximize one's chances of acceptance. With our structured program, you will feel ahead of the game and prepared to tackle the admissions cycle head on!
Best of luck!
Melina Kazanas
P.S. - Have a high-performing high schooler w/ a 3.7 GPA or higher? We'll help get them into at least one of their top 5 dream colleges...and if we don't get them into at least one of their top 5 dream colleges, you don't pay us a penny. Seriously! You can learn more about our world renowned all-inclusive, start-to-finish college coaching here and to see if your family qualifies for an introductory call.
P.P.S - Our most common question is "When should we start?!" The answer is, if you truly care about giving your high schooler the best chance of college planning success, you should start NOW. 9th grade is not too early to start! 10th grade is certainly not too early to start! And 11th grade is far, far too late! (supporting data here to show just how much of an advantage you give your child by starting the process early).
