Class of 2025 First Look- Increase in Applications
Updated: Apr 28, 2021
1st in a series of 3
High-quality admissions data is critical to the success of any data-driven college planning process. While we cannot predict the future, we can use historical data to put events in context. At CPC, we've partnered with College Kickstart to stay on top of the latest admissions data to help students and parents navigate the process through information vs. emotion.
Recently, the team at College Kickstart invited us to join a partner roundtable, where they shared their first look at Class of 2025 results and implications for the upcoming application cycle. While the data is preliminary, we wanted to share with you some of the important insights we took away from the session.
Let's talk about the Class of 2025 through the lens of data collected from 100 schools to date.
Applications to colleges increased 11% - However, more students did not apply. Rather, students applied to more schools using the following thought processes.
Hedging my bets - Applying to state flagship schools as a Plan B if paying private school tuition for online learning was not appealing.
Expanded options - Applying to schools that opened application types to test-optional students.
Swinging for the fences - Applying to schools that historically were more than a reach.
Takeaways so far:
Preparing for, taking, and doing well on the test is still the best play
With test-optional policies continuing for most schools in the upcoming application cycle, expect applications volumes to stay high
Adopt a more conservative school list - certain selective schools are turning very selective due to increased application volume and higher lean towards early decision applications - Bucknell University, Boston College, Colgate University
Flagship Public Universities may not be an easy admit if students continue to hedge bets for lower-cost alternatives to private schools
Keep early applications on the front burner - while we recognize a binding contract may not always be the best option, schools are widening the gap between early and regular decision
Want to learn more about the college planning process? Schedule a free chat with us .