Which college receives the most applications each year?

Hey everyone. As I'm beginning my college search, I'm curious about which colleges receive the most applications each year. I'm trying to gauge the competition and understand how many students apply to highly competitive schools. Anyone have any stats or insights about this?

Based on the most recent data, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) typically receives the highest number of undergraduate applications each year. For example, in 2023, UCLA received over 140,000 applications, which is quite remarkable. However, keep in mind that high application numbers don't directly correlate to the academic rigor or reputation of a school. They are often simply reflective of a school's popularity or its presence in a highly populated state, just like UCLA being in California.

Furthermore, numerous factors contribute to the competition level at a college, and the sheer volume of applications is just one of them. The acceptance rate, the strengths of the applicant pool, and the specifics of your own application and achievements are all critical components. As you continue your college search, it's crucial to focus on finding schools that are a good fit for your personal and academic goals, instead of getting too caught up in the numbers game. The college application process is about finding the schools where you'll thrive, not just the ones that are the hardest to get into. Good luck with your college search!