Which Universities Receive the Most Applications?

I'm starting to work on my college list and heard some schools get a ton of applications. Which universities in the U.S. get the most applications? Does applying to such schools make them more competitive, or is it still worth a shot?

High application numbers can make a university seem more competitive because that usually means they have a lower acceptance rate. However, these numbers shouldn't deter you from applying if you think the college is a good fit for you. A high number of applications doesn't necessarily mean a high number of quality or highly competitive applications.

To answer your first question, a few universities in the U.S. are known for receiving the highest number of applications every year. These include the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). These public universities offer relatively low tuition for in-state students, which is part of why they draw so many applications.

Private schools can also receive a significant amount of applications. Schools like Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, and NYU consistently draw a large pool of applicants.

As for your second question, competitive doesn't always mean unattainable. Yes, high application numbers can lead to lower acceptance rates, making them seem more competitive. But remember that colleges are not just looking for one type of student. They aim to build a diverse student body with different talents, experiences, and perspectives. So, if a college aligns with your goals, values and interests, it's definitely worth a shot to apply, regardless of the application numbers!

Remember also to balance your college list with "target," "reach," and "safety" schools, so you have a variety of options. It's all a part of the process. Your chances at any given school will depend on many factors, including your academic performance, activities, essays, letters of recommendation, and how well your profile fits with what the school is looking for in applicants.