Record Increase in College Applications: A Look at the 2023-24 Admission Season in the USA

On August 22, the most widely used college application platform in the USA, the Common Application, released intriguing data regarding new student applications for the 2023-24 academic year. This platform allows various private comprehensive universities, liberal arts colleges, and public institutions serving diverse student populations to accept application materials. 📚

Staggering Application Numbers

During this application season, a remarkable 1,425,083 students globally submitted a total of 9,472,240 freshman applications to 1,074 member institutions via the Common Application. This represents a significant increase, with the number of applicants rising by 7% and application materials increasing by 11% compared to the previous year.

Surge in International Applications

The number of international students applying this season has seen a tremendous spike, with 1,256,702 first-time applicants, representing a 56% growth from pre-pandemic levels (107,842 applicants in the 2019-20 academic year). In comparison, the increase among domestic students stands at 36%.

Top Countries of Origin for International Students

The top five countries from which international students are applying include:

• China
• Ghana
• India
• Nigeria
• Nepal

Despite China managing to retain its position as the leading source of international students with 17,611 applicants, there is a notable decline. The number of applicants from China has dropped nearly by half compared to the peak of around 33,000 students in the 2017-18 academic year.

Conclusion

The surge in college applications highlights the increasing interest in higher education in the United States, especially from international students. While the trends show promising growth, they also indicate shifts in international student demographics, reflecting broader changes in global education patterns. 🌍

As students across the world set their sights on US universities, it is crucial for institutions to adapt and cater to the changing landscape of applicants, ensuring that they provide an inclusive environment that meets the aspirations of diverse students.