Can anyone discuss how college admission competitiveness has changed since 2006?

So, my older siblings often reminisce about their college application days back in 2006. According to them, admissions seemed less competitive than it is now. Is that true? How significantly has the difficulty of getting admission into top colleges evolved since 2006? Any insights or statistics would be really appreciated!

Absolutely, competitiveness in college admissions has indeed increased over the years, since 2006. Let's break it down into factors that contribute to this shift:

1. Increase in Applications: Due to the rise of online applications, it's now easier than ever for students to apply to numerous colleges. This ends up increasing the number of applications received by colleges, directly impacting acceptance rates. For instance, in 2006, Harvard University reportedly received about 22,955 applications and in 2024, that number had nearly doubled to around 40,200.

2. International Interest: There's been a gradual increase in applications from international students. A decade ago, the percentage of international students in U.S. colleges was low. Now, they make up a significant portion of the undergraduate populace in many institutions, thereby amplifying competitiveness.

3. Decline in Acceptance Rates: Over the years, most top colleges have seen a decline in their acceptance rates, making them more competitive. In 2006, Harvard's acceptance rate was about 9.3%, compared to 2024's 3.4%.

4. Increasingly Strong Applicant Pools: Today's high school students are more academically prepared and involved in extracurricular activities than their counterparts in 2006. Coupled with an increased focus on holistic admissions, which takes into account strengths beyond academic achievement, students are more competitive candidates, making it harder to gain admission.

5. Rise of Test-Optional Policies: In recent years, an increasing number of schools adopted test-optional policies, which allowed students who might not have strong SAT or ACT scores to still present strong applications, thereby increasing the pool of competitive applicants.

In summary, while it is still possible to gain admission into top colleges, it has become increasingly competitive over the years due to factors like the increase in total applications, stronger applicant pools, international interest, declining acceptance rates, and policy changes. However, remember that colleges are not just looking for academically outstanding students, but those who also bring unique perspectives and passions to their campuses. So focusing your time on cultivating your passions and standing out in those areas can give you a competitive edge, irrespective of the increased competitiveness!