Preliminary Insights from the 2020-21 Admissions Cycle

When the COVID-19 pandemic erupted, many predicted that there would be fewer applicants applying and that it would be easier to earn admission to college. This is not the case. To the surprise of many, the number of applications to highly selective colleges has increased dramatically in the early application rounds. The University of Pennsylvania reported a 47% increase in early decision applications while MIT reported a 62% increase in early action applications. Many other schools reported equally dramatic increases in applications. While the UC’s have not reported their application figures yet, we anticipate that they too will report a dramatic increase in applications as well.

This means that it is getting harder to earn admission to schools that were already hyper-selective. I do not share this information to cause anyone anxiety, but rather, to inform them of the process and how it is changing with COVID-19.

It is more important than ever before for each student to earn the best grades possible to preserve college options when they apply. It is also critical in an expanding applicant pool that each applicant asks her or himself what they are doing to create an application story to stand out and earn admission. Whether it is through internships, a unique “wow factor”, demonstrated leadership, or service, each student we work with has the chance to build their personal brand and maximize their odds of admission.

It is also important to recognize that no matter how hard an applicant works to earn admission to their dream college, it may still not be enough. No college has a monopoly on the path to success, and we must all keep an open mind with respect to the college education that will help us grow into healthy, happy, and financially independent adults. When discussing college options in the years to come, we will be taking into consideration the reality we face: many more applicants seeking the same number of spots.