The Competition in College Admission

It seems like getting into college these days is more competitive than ever. What's considered the most competitive demographic to get into college right now? Does it have a significant impact on the process?

Understanding the demographics can definitely provide some insight into the overall competitiveness of college admissions. When it comes to college applications, Asians, and particularly Asian-Americans, are considered to be the most competitive demographic, particularly for highly selective and elite institutions. This is due to the so-called "overrepresentation" of these groups in such institutions relative to their population percentage in the United States.

What makes this demographic so competitive is a combination of factors such as high academic performance, strong test scores, and impressive extracurricular activities. However, I want to clarify that being part of this demographic doesn't guarantee admission; the holistic admissions process considers the whole package, not just one or two factors.

Undoubtedly, demographic considerations can influence the application process. It may affect strategies used in the application and school selection process. Importantly, remember that despite these demographic factors, students are largely evaluated individually—every applicant is unique and has their own strengths to showcase and stories to tell. So it's crucial not to let these general trends deter you from pursing education at your dream institutions.

That being noted, Affirmative Action was struck down by the Supreme Court in June 2023. This prohibits colleges from practicing race-conscious admissions, but they can still look into how race has impacted a student as an individual—for instance, if an essay talks about race-related challenges faced by a student, that could be taken into consideration.

Your personal journey, determination, skills, and academic performance are what truly count in college admissions. Authenticity and a clear display of character and passion can make an application stand out, regardless of the demographic one belongs to.