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April 14, 2023
2023 Admissions Updates & Trends for Next Year
We’re pleased to share that the 20-odd students we worked with this year achieved excellent results, despite the increasingly competitive admissions landscape, and plummeting acceptance rates.
This year, Edvanta students were admitted to: Cornell (3), University of Pennsylvania (2), Dartmouth (1), Brown (1), UC Berkeley (3), UCLA (4), USC (Marshall, Dornsife, Iovine & Young Academy, School of Dramatic Arts & 1 Presidential Scholar), NYU (Stern & CAS), University of Chicago, Carnegie Mellon, Tufts, Georgetown, RISD, Parsons, Washington University in St Louis, University of Michigan, Purdue, Georgia Tech, UIUC, Emory, University of Virginia, Williams, Swarthmore, Amherst, Wesleyan, Babson, BU, Santa Clara, Northeastern, St Andrews, UCL, King’s College London, Warwick, IE Madrid, UBC (Sauder), University of Toronto (Rotman), Ashoka & more
Reflecting on this year’s admissions cycle, below are a few key trends and takeaways to keep in mind:
Test-Optional Continues to Gain Momentum: Even as the pandemic has ebbed, many colleges and universities have extended their test-optional policies (including some, like Columbia University, that have gone permanently test optional). That said, it is important to note that, for the most competitive universities, providing a strong standardized test score will still significantly increase one’s likelihood of being admitted.
Focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Colleges and universities are placing a greater emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion in their admissions processes. This means not only looking to admit a more diverse class, but also admitting students who have demonstrated an appreciation for and advocacy of diversity while in high school.
Personal Essays Take Center Stage: In a highly competitive, test-optional admissions landscape, personal essays are becoming increasingly important. Students should focus on showcasing their unique voice and perspective, and highlighting their personal growth in their application essays.
Increased Use of Technology: With more students applying to college than ever before, admissions offices are turning to technology to streamline the application process. Expect to see more online interviews, virtual tours, and AI-powered admissions tools in the coming years. It will also be interesting to see how colleges respond to the possibility of AI-generated application essays, whether in the form of softwares to detect AI-generated essays, or by incorporating additional evaluation tools such as video essays and interviews.
Increased numbers =decreased admissions rates: Common App, the application platform students use while applying to US universities, recently released data from this year’s admissions cycle. Since 2019, the total number of unique applications has increased by 21% and the number of international applications has increased by 55% (with China, India, Ghana and Nigeria leading in the number of applications per country, respectively). This significant increase in application volume has resulted in record-low acceptance rates. This trend will continue, as universities continue to recruit from international markets while holding their number of available seats constant.
The students who fare best are those who start early, and remain consistent and focused on their goals.
We look forward to the opportunity to work together, and support students as they work towards admissions success!