Yo, everyone! I'm a junior currently brainstorming on where to apply. Does anyone have a list or resource for the school with the most college applications? I'm trying to avoid the ultra-competitive ones. Thanks a bunch!
Hey there! Staying clear of overly competitive colleges is a practical approach when it comes to reducing application stress. As per data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has consistently received the most applications in recent years. However, just because a school draws a large volume of applications doesn't necessarily mean that it's off the chart competitive. Application numbers can be influenced by many factors, including size, location, and reputation.
While UCLA has high application numbers, other schools like Stanford University and Harvard University, although receiving fewer applications, have lower acceptance rates—making them extremely competitive despite lower application numbers. This is primarily because many applicants to these schools are very high-achieving students.
As you work on your college list, consider thinking more about what you want in a school (like location, size, majors available, vibe of the student body, etc.) rather than blanket application numbers. Then, mix-and-match those schools within the typical 'safety,' 'match,' and 'reach' categories based on your academic profile and their typical admit profile.
Remember, a school receiving fewer applications does not necessarily mean it's less competitive or a better fit for you. Fit matters the most in the long run. Good luck!
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