April 1, 2024
According to data from the Common Application, there has been a 6% increase in applicants for fall 2024 admissions compared to the previous year.
A significant rise in college application numbers has been reported by the Common Application, as noted by Forbes, compared to the previous year. This surge indicates a sustained interest in higher education despite the ongoing challenges in the admissions landscape.
Of particular interest are the demographic trends among applicants, especially in the aftermath of a U.S. Supreme Court decision. Underrepresented minority (URM) applicants, which include Black, Latinx, and Indigenous students, have shown a remarkable increase of 10%, surpassing non-URM applicants by fivefold.
Moreover, applicants from families residing in below-median-income ZIP codes have experienced a 10% growth compared to those from above-median-income areas. This suggests an expanding access to higher education among economically disadvantaged communities.
As of March 1, 2024, a total of 1,313,763 unique first-year applicants had submitted applications to 834 institutions through the Common App, marking a substantial increase from the previous year. This uptick reflects a growing trend in college applications, with the total number of applications reaching 7,541,148, up by 7% from the previous admissions cycle.
International applicants have also made a significant contribution to the overall increase, with a notable 13% surge compared to domestic applicants. This rise was particularly evident among students from Ghana, Afghanistan, Mongolia, and Uzbekistan.
For students applying to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) [ppp1]:
The application process involves creating a student account and completing the application by providing demographic, academic, and pertinent information. Subsequently, students can select their top four HBCU choices.
For 24 participating institutions, the CBCA can upload official transcripts and test scores, while others require direct submission. Essays and recommendation letters should be sent directly to member institutions, not through the CBCA.
Upon finishing the application, students will receive a confirmation letter indicating that it has been shared with all 52 member institutions. They are encouraged to reach out to the admissions offices of their preferred choices to verify the application status and provide additional information if necessary.
While the increase in college applications is a positive sign for the higher education sector, challenges such as the revamped FAFSA rollout and declines in community college enrollment during the pandemic may still influence admissions outcomes. Nonetheless, the surge in applicants signifies an enduring interest in pursuing higher education opportunities amidst evolving admissions landscapes and uncertainties.