Don’t Let these Facts about the College Admissions Process Haunt You
Halloween may be all about ghouls and goblins, but seniors face something even more frightening: college application deadlines. From the unknown to the unexpected, many elements of the college admissions process are daunting enough to give even the most self-assured student the chills. However, spooky season is the perfect time to face these spine-tingling truths about college applications—after all, facing your fears may give you a greater sense of confidence when you press ‘submit’ this December.
Here are five of the scariest facts about the college admissions process—and how students can fight their fright this application season:
1. There are nearly 4,000 degree-granting institutions in the U.S.
Do you want to go to a small liberal arts college or a large state school? A rural or urban campus? Do you want to be far away from home or stay close? With so many options, it is easy for students to be overwhelmed by the prospect of narrowing a college list. However, with intentionality, research, and self-reflection, it is possible to craft a balanced college list that suits your needs and goals. For everything you need to know about sorting through the options and finding the right school(s) for you, check out our comprehensive guide!
2. Ivy League acceptance rates are dipping below 5%.
Top colleges often have acceptance rates that resemble ghostly apparitions, hovering at single-digit percentages. Many Ivy League schools have hit historically low acceptance rates, with Harvard’s acceptance rate at 3.59% and Yale’s at 3.73% for the Class of 2028. In light of these numbers, the looming fear of rejection can be paralyzing for students. It is important to set realistic expectations and prepare for any outcome, especially as the competitive nature of the college admissions landscape means that rejection is a possibility for even the most driven and accomplished students. However, becoming wrapped up in negative thoughts about the future can have a negative impact on students’ mental health, so it is imperative to remember that college admissions do not define an individual’s worth, and many paths can lead to success.
3. Top schools are receiving more applicants than ever before.
The last few years have also seen sharp increases in the number of applicants, with pools topping tens of thousands of college hopefuls. During the 2023–24 admissions cycle, Harvard applications topped 50,000; UPenn’s applicant pool swelled by 10%, reaching over 65,000 applicants; and Yale saw a record-breaking number of applicants, totaling 57,465. At the same time, students should keep in mind that many schools have implemented test-optional and test-blind policies, so swelling applicant pools can be attributed in part to an increased number of under-qualified students choosing to apply.
4. You may be competing against your classmates for a spot at your dream school.
There’s nothing eerier in a scary movie than realizing that the call is coming from inside the house. Many students may be similarly spooked to find out that their greatest competition in the college admissions process might be sitting right beside them. Ivy League and other top schools seek to admit students of diverse geographic and institutional origins and often try to limit the number of students they admit from a single high school. Applicants should keep in mind that admissions officers evaluate applications in the context of what’s available to them at their high school. For example, the committee will consider how you’ve taken advantage of challenging courses (whether AP, IB, or Honors), service and leadership opportunities, and extracurriculars compared to your peers. Distinguishing yourself from other applicants in your school requires that you start early and take initiative to identify opportunities to grow and demonstrate your leadership skills within your institution.
5. Standardized tests have made a comeback.
The SAT and ACT can be a source of nightmares for many students, and “test-optional” policies instituted during Covid allowed many students to breathe a sigh of relief. However, testing requirements have been reinstituted at many top institutions including Dartmouth, Yale and MIT. The pressure to perform well and the ever-evolving test policies can be a source of stress and anxiety—but with the right preparation and strategy, students can achieve their goal scores. Beginning the test prep process early and taking the test during the spring of sophomore year will give students the opportunity to assess their progress, become more familiar with the testing format, and work toward their target score. Students can gauge whether a given school is a safety, match, or reach for them based on how their scores compare to the 50th percentile of admitted students at any given institution.
6. Over the course of the last two decades, college tuition and fees have increased by over 120% at both public and private universities.
The soaring costs of college are a cause for concern for students and parents alike—and the concern is justified. Students who wish to mitigate the cost of a college degree should not only focus on maintaining top grades and using their passions to help their communities, but also proactively look for scholarships and grants. Many schools, including Princeton and Dartmouth, have instituted tuition assistance programs for middle class families. Princeton prides itself on having one of the most generous financial aid programs in the country—most students whose families earn less than 100k a year pay nothing, and families who earn more than $100,000 are also eligible for aid. At Dartmouth, “students whose families have a total annual income below $125,000 can expect to receive a financial aid package that includes no responsibility for a parent contribution, provided their assets are typical for this income range.”
7. Admissions officers may be watching your social media.
If you’re feeling a shiver down your spine and the uncanny sense that you’re being watched, it might be because admissions officers are spying on your social media. Admissions officers may check your social media to see if it aligns with the narrative you’ve presented in your application, particularly if something raises concerns—such as inconsistencies in your achievements or red flags regarding your behavior. More than any other Ivy, Harvard has frequently made headlines for uncovering students’ abuses of social media. In 2019, Parkland shooting survivor Kyle Kashuv had his admission to Harvard revoked after racist comments he made resurfaced online. Likewise, in 2017, the school rescinded 10 students’ offers of admission over racist and sexist remarks made online. But Harvard is hardly the only school to do this—numerous colleges rescinded acceptances in 2020 over students’ racist online posts. Students should therefore be mindful about what they share on their personal accounts, as well as in group chats, on others’ pages, and on digital forums. If something you want to say has even the potential to be offensive or harmful to a person or group of people, you should refrain from saying it (or delete it!).
This Halloween, acknowledge these spooky facts about college admissions—but don’t let them scare you away from pursuing your dreams. With proper guidance and a fearless attitude, you can conquer the admissions process with confidence. The real terror would be missing out on an opportunity because of fear. Happy Halloween!
