Which college received the most applicants in the past year?

I'm a junior working on my college list and I've been trying to find a balance between reach, match, and safety schools. I was wondering, just out of curiosity, which colleges had the highest number of applicants this past application cycle? It might help me get a better idea of the competition out there.

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) usually receives the most applications each year among four-year colleges in the U.S. For the 2023-2024 application cycle, UCLA reported a record high of over 140,000 applications from high school seniors, which was the highest in the nation.

That said, it's worthwhile to note that these application numbers do not directly translate to acceptance rates or quality of education. Moreover, each application is assessed individually and holistically - this means that admission officers look at an applicant's academic transcripts, standardized test scores (if submitted), extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, personal essays, and other application components as a whole to determine whether the applicant will be a good fit for the university and vice versa.

Keep in mind that creating your college list should be more personalized, centering on your academic interests, career goals, financial situation, and what you're seeking in college experience. Try to find schools that align well with your personal objectives and aspirations, rather than focusing solely on application numbers or perceived prestige.

Lastly, remember that beyond reach, match, and safety schools, it's important to consider whether you'd be happy at any of the schools on your list. Would you enjoy the classes, campus culture, extracurricular opportunities? These should also play a big role in deciding where to apply.