High-schoolers invest big in college applications to maximize opportunities and combat antisemitism

Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes

High School Students Applying to Record Number of Colleges Amid Increasing Competition

In a trend that has been on the rise since the start of the pandemic, high school students are now applying to a record-breaking number of colleges. Previously, students would typically apply to around 12 schools, but now many are applying to 20 or more in an effort to maximize their chances in the increasingly competitive admissions process.

College admissions consultant Christopher Rim has noted the shift in behavior, attributing it to families being more aware of just how competitive the process has become. Schools that were once considered less selective are now becoming just as competitive as Ivy League institutions, with acceptance rates dropping significantly in recent years.

In response to the changing landscape of college admissions, students are expanding their list of potential schools to include what are being dubbed “Ivy-plus” institutions. Schools like NYU, Duke, Emory, and Washington University in St. Louis are now seen as prestigious alternatives to the traditional Ivies.

Recent events, such as the reinstatement of standardized testing requirements and the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action, have only added to the confusion and stress surrounding the college admissions process. Additionally, factors like campus antisemitism are influencing students’ decisions on where to apply.

The uncertainty of how these changes will impact their chances of acceptance has led to unprecedented levels of stress among students, including international applicants. As the college admissions process continues to evolve, students are facing new challenges and considerations in their pursuit of higher education.