Universities across the country have seen a significant increase in applications.

In the last month, the Common Application reported an overall increase in applications of 9% from 2022/23 to 2023/24. Public universities saw a 12% increase and private schools had an increase of 7%. Students are now applying to more than 10 colleges- an increase from 8% - 17% between 2014 - 2023.

Here are some of the numbers:

University Applications Percent Increase

UVA(EA & ED)              42,000+  4-5%

VA Tech               52,000+ 11%

U. of Tennessee(Knoxville)49,000+    28%

Duke(ED)          6,200+ 28%

Dartmouth (ED)     3,550+ 18%

Yale   57,000+ 10%

With the increase in applications, admission rates reached record lows.  Notably, these increases were not just from the most selective schools. Now more than ever, it is important for students to focus on developing a balanced list through research and finding the right fits.