The 2020 pandemic continues to affect college applications in 2023, with an unprecedented increase in college applicants, a decrease in college acceptance rates, the rise of test-optional schools, and the elimination of SAT subject tests, among other factors. Public perception regarding higher education continues to evolve as well. The introduction of online and hybrid learning has prompted students and parents alike to consider the cost and value of a college application more critically. 

Whether you are a student, parent, or educator, it’s important to stay current. In this article, we’ll discuss the latest college admissions trends for 2023, including the increased numbers of waitlisted students, Early Decision applicants, transfer students, and international student recruitments.

01

Test-optional admissions

Are colleges looking at SAT scores in 2023? Many schools adopted test-optional policies during 2020 and 2021 college admissions. This continues to be the case in 2023. As of fall 2021, 65% of colleges in the U.S. are officially test-optional, with a recent survey citing that 68% of test-optional institutions plan to make this policy permanent moving forward. 

That said, college admissions are becoming increasingly more competitive, especially since holistic college admissions standards are so subjective. That said, exceptional SAT and ACT scores can help distinguish your college application and set you apart from your peers. Overall, what colleges are looking for has largely remained the same, despite evolving test policies. 

02

Record-low acceptance rates

Why are college acceptance rates decreasing? During the last two years, there was an influx of college applicants, with Common App experiencing a 22% surge in total applications submitted. This can partially be accounted for by the rising trend in test-optional admissions policies. Students who did not test well and would otherwise limit their college applications to “fit” and “safety” schools are applying to more prestigious schools.

If you are wondering, will it be easier to get into college in 2023? the answer is no. The class of 2026 college acceptance rate is at a record low. This is especially true for Ivy League colleges. 

Let’s look at a few statistics to get a better idea of college admissions trends for 2023: Between the 2021 and 2022 admissions cycle, Amherst College’s college acceptance rate decreased from 12% to 7%; Boston College’s college acceptance rate decreased from 32% to 16%; Colgate College’s college acceptance rate decreased from 27% to 12%; Harvard University’s college acceptance rate decreased from 5% to 3%; and Dartmouth College’s college acceptance rate decreased from 10% to 6%.

So while what colleges are looking for in students largely remains the same, unfortunately, your odds of getting admitted to your dream school have become slimmer, simply due to competition. 

03

More Early Decision applicants

As college admissions continue to become more competitive, Early Action and Early Decision applications have become increasingly popular. Schools are offering more early application options, including Early Decision II and Early Action II. While Regular Decision applications are still the norm, it is worth noting that for highly-selective schools, the number of accepted students who applied through Early Decision has increased dramatically. 

Before the pandemic, colleges generally did not admit more than 20-30% of their incoming class through early admissions. This year, however, Barnard College admitted 62% of its incoming class through early admissions. Similarly, UPenn admitted 51% and Boston University admitted 50% of their incoming class through early admissions.

college waitlist

In short, Early Decision acceptance rates for 2023 are at a record high. Therefore, if you have your heart set on attending a certain school and have the financial resources to do so, you may want to consider applying through Early Decision.

04

Increased numbers of college deferrals

There has been an increasing number of college admissions deferrals since the beginning of the pandemic, with more and more students electing to take a gap year. Due to this, a record number of students have chosen to send notice of their deferral. In turn, this has affected college admissions officers’ decision-making process. 

05

Longer college waitlists

Due to the increase in college deferrals, colleges no longer have stable admissions statistics to help them plan accordingly for their incoming classes. Because of this, there has been a significant increase in the number of waitlisted students to help account for this recent increase in college deferrals. This also means that demonstrated interest has become a more significant factor in what colleges want in an applicant. 

Receiving a college waitlist letter can feel disappointing; thankfully, however, your odds of getting accepted are higher than they were pre-pandemic. As you figure out what to do if you’ve been waitlisted, remember, you still have a shot at being admitted to your dream school. 

06

Increased number of transfer students

There is also an increased number of college transfer students in 2023 as well. This is partly because many first-year college students were unable to schedule in-person college tours due to COVID-19 restrictions. Choosing a college is a difficult decision so it makes sense that there are higher rates of transfer students in recent years. As campuses reopen and allow in-person college tours, transfer students are making more informed, mindful decisions about where they want to earn their undergraduate degrees. 

If you are interested in transferring colleges, refer to our article, College Admissions 101: Transferring Colleges. You may also want to refer to our articles, Colleges Accepting Spring/Mid-Semester Transfers, and 10 Best Schools to Transfer To In 2022-23 & Transfer Acceptance Rates. Although transferring colleges can feel overwhelming, rest assured, lots of students successfully transfer colleges each year. Both transferring colleges and changing majors are common occurrences. 

07

An increase in international student recruitment

As COVID-19 international travel restrictions are lifting, college admissions are increasing their efforts to recruit international students. In 2020 and 2021 international student populations took a significant hit. International students contribute significantly to colleges in the U.S., both culturally and financially. Because of this, colleges are eager to increase their international numbers and diversify their college campuses. If you are an international student, refer to our International Student College Checklist, as well as our article, Applying to a U.S. University as an International Student.

Applying to a U.S. University as an International Student
08

AP classes become more significant

The SAT subject tests have been eliminated. Effectively, this has placed an increased focus on AP classes and AP test scores. Elite institutions prioritize high academic achievement. In previous years this was gauged by SAT scores, ACT scores, SAT subject tests, AP test scores, and high school transcripts. With the rise of the test-optional admissions trend and the elimination of SAT subject tests, AP classes, and high school GPAs have become the main indicators of academic success. College admissions officers also look at your level of course rigor as an indicator of your academic capabilities, as well as your desire to challenge yourself. 

If you want to know how many AP classes you should be taking, you should aim to take as many AP classes as you can reasonably manage in subjects that genuinely interest you. Talk to your teachers and high school guidance counselors about what they think is a manageable course load for you. You may also want to refer to a complete list of AP classes with their respective passing rates to help you decide on your class schedule. Remember, while it’s important to challenge yourself, it’s equally important to know your boundaries and limitations. 

09

College essays become more significant

College essays are also becoming increasingly significant in the college application process. College essays, particularly supplemental college essays, help personalize the admissions process. Colleges want to admit diverse, vibrant student bodies. This is why holistic college admissions standards are so important. In some cases, colleges such as Brown, Bowdoin, and the University of Chicago are accepting video submissions in place of certain essays. 

Stellar test scores and impressive GPAs are important, but with the rise of test-optional college admissions, it is important to take every opportunity to stand out. Review the components of a strong personal statement and focus on writing a sincere, unique college essay. Let your passion and personality shine through! 

Use your college essays to give admissions officers a reason to want to admit you. You may also want to refer to our article on what college admissions officers look for in an applicant.

10

Legacy preferences are becoming outdated

As college is becoming more popular and accessible, admission standards are shifting. In the past, legacy students had a clear competitive edge when applying to schools, especially Ivy League institutions. In 2023, this is changing. Now cultural diversity is taking precedence over legacy status. 

That said, it’s important to keep your eye on the news as the Supreme Court reviews the constitutionality of affirmative action programs. For the latest information, review our article, How Will the Supreme Court Cases Affect College Admissions?

Other factors and key takeaways

There have been countless cultural changes in light of the pandemic — for companies, workers, students, and families. College admissions are adjusting to the times as they navigate shifting COVID-19 protocols and anticipate the latest college admissions trends for 2023. From the rising popularity of test-optional admissions to lengthening waitlists to the waning importance of applicants’ legacy status to the upcoming Supreme Court cases, college admissions are in the process of undergoing major cultural shifts. This is why it’s important to stay up-to-date on trends in college admissions. 

college admissions deferral

As you navigate college admissions season, continue to do your research and learn more about how to decide which colleges to apply to and how to write a successful college essay. Depending on your college goals, you may also want to consider hiring a college counselor. A college counselor can provide you with valuable insights into the college application process, help you design an application strategy, and polish your application materials. If you are interested in attending a highly-selective college, such as an Ivy League institution, reach out to learn more about our services.

A scholarship is money you apply for to help cover college expenses. It is separate from financial aid and does not need to be paid back. There is no shortage of scholarships you can apply to and the earlier you start your research, the more opportunities there will be available to you!

While you will be eligible to apply to scholarships each year you are in high school, there are a significantly greater number of scholarships you can apply to in the second half of your junior year and your senior year. That said, you can start applying for college scholarship money as early as your freshman year. Our best advice is to begin your scholarship search early so you don’t miss out on any good opportunities. 

Scholarships are often a crucial part of the college application process, especially for low-income students. This is why it’s important to know where to find scholarships and when high schoolers should apply for scholarships. In this article, we will discuss who can apply for scholarships, how to find local scholarships, where to apply for scholarships online, and more. 

Understanding the different types of scholarships

To start off, you might be wondering: Are scholarships financial aid? And are scholarships free? Although scholarships may be included in your financial aid award letter, scholarships are separate from financial aid and do not need to be paid back. 

Scholarships are funded by community organizations, businesses, religious organizations, and individuals. There are two broad categories of scholarships: those awarded by the school you are attending (these are the scholarships that may be included in your award letter) and all other scholarships. Let’s call the first category “institutional scholarships” and the latter category “external scholarships”. 

External scholarships

External scholarships are awarded at local, regional, and national levels. 

  • Local scholarships are smaller, less competitive scholarships that are offered through local-level community organizations, businesses, and religious organizations. Local scholarships restrict who can apply to them based on the city of residence. Ask your high school guidance counselor how to apply for local scholarships. 
  • Regional scholarships are offered to residents of a given region. This may mean residents of a particular state county or group of counties. You may be able to find more information on these types of scholarships on your state’s department of education website. 
  • National scholarships are the most competitive because they accept applications from students living anywhere in the country. We’ll review several notable national scholarships later in this article. 

Alongside geographic restrictions or lack thereof, external scholarships determine eligibility based on one or more of the following: citizenship status, class year, achievements, identities, and/or family relations. Depending on the scholarship, your extracurricular activities and volunteer hours may be important factors as well. 

Institutional scholarships

In addition to external scholarships, you may be eligible for scholarships offered by individual colleges and universities. These “institutional scholarships” may be need-based, merit-based, or a combination of the two. Some of these scholarships will require specific applications, while others may be automatically considered upon submitting your college application. 

You may need to send in a separate application for some institutional scholarships. This is why it’s important to check college websites to determine whether there are specific scholarships you are eligible for and should apply to. As with external scholarships, institutional scholarship deadlines will vary. This is why it is best to check institutional scholarship availability at the start of your college application process so you can prioritize applying. 

How to find scholarships

Your high school counselor is a good person to ask about scholarships, particularly local and regional scholarships. While there is a lot of information and guidance online about popular national scholarships, you may not find the same amount of information about more localized scholarships. This is why your high school guidance counselor and high school teachers are great resources to turn to when trying to figure out how to apply for local scholarships.

Additionally, there are several websites where you can create a profile that will filter out and recommend scholarships you may be eligible for. Some of these websites include Fastweb, Unigo, Cappex, and Niche. This can be a great way to apply for multiple scholarships at once. 

Curious about how to apply for scholarships through Common App? According to its website: 

Full scholarships for low-income students

There are thousands of scholarships you may be eligible to apply for. Some scholarships offer more money and benefits than others. In general, the more money a scholarship offers, the more competitive the scholarship. In addition to asking your high school counselor about scholarship opportunities, building a profile on a scholarship search website, and doing some of your own research, you should also consider applying to some of the following competitive national scholarships if you are eligible. 

There are a couple of national scholarship programs that you can apply to as a low-income student that cover your full cost of attendance for four years at a given college or university. You might consider checking out the following competitive scholarship programs for low-income students:

  • The Gates Scholarship is awarded to exceptional low-income, minority, high school seniors with demonstrated leadership. The scholarship covers the full cost of attendance (tuition + costs of living + fees) at a four-year college or university. The initial deadline is in mid-September of your senior year. 
  • The QuestBridge Scholarship is awarded to low-income, high-achieving high school seniors. The scholarship covers the full cost of attendance at a four-year college or university. The QuestBridge Scholarship is unique in the sense that students who apply and receive the scholarship are matched to a particular college or university to attend based on their ranked preferences. The initial deadline is in late September of your senior year. 

If you have a strong history of leadership at school or in your volunteer and extracurricular activities, you might look into getting nominated for the POSSE Scholarship. The POSSE Scholarship is awarded to high-achieving high school seniors with demonstrated leadership in certain areas of the United States. You can be nominated for POSSE if you live in one of the following areas: Atlanta, the Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, or Washington, D.C. Those who win the scholarship are awarded a full-tuition scholarship to attend one of POSSE’s partner schools. 

Florida’s Bright Futures scholarship

If you are a Florida resident considering colleges in Florida, you should have your eye on a Bright Futures Scholarship. See our past blog post on the Bright Futures Scholarship here. All college-bound Florida residents upon meeting certain eligibility requirements can receive a Bright Futures Scholarship. The scholarship amount varies based on students’ achievements and whether they hope to apply their winnings to a Florida public or private college. The Bright Futures Scholarship is an incredible opportunity: it can be applied to all Florida public and private colleges! For a full list of Florida schools that accept the award, see this list. 

Completing your scholarship applications

College can be expensive. Many students and families rely on federal financial aid, external and institutional scholarships, and loans to afford a college education. Check out our post on college financial planning for more on these payment strategies. 

As you apply for scholarships, it is important that you remain organized and motivated. Write important deadlines in your planner and keep track of all of your application materials in an organized list or spreadsheet. Leave yourself plenty of time to thoughtfully complete the required essays. You may even want to read up on how to write an essay for scholarships so that you’ll feel more prepared. If scholarships require letters of recommendation, make sure you allot plenty of time for your references to write and submit their letters. 

Try to apply to a combination of external scholarships and institutional scholarships. Seek out schools that have a good track record of awarding admitted students with need-based and/or merit-based scholarships. And, most importantly, do not be discouraged by rejections. If you are applying for enough scholarships, you are bound to receive them.

Key takeaways and moving forward

In addition to understanding your financial aid package, it’s important to know how to apply for merit scholarships. If you began reading this article with questions such as: Can you apply for scholarships as a junior? Is it too late to apply for scholarships? And what are the best ways to apply for scholarships?, hopefully you’ve gained some important insights.

Begin your scholarship research as early as possible, especially if you are a low-income student. Some scholarship applications are more intensive than others, so you want to make sure you have plenty of time to prepare. You’ll also want to make sure that you are familiar with everything you need to know about FAFSA. If you have more questions about how to apply for scholarships as a senior or how to apply for scholarships online, reach out to learn more about our services. Our team members have all the resources to make sure you are on track.