Deadline update, 2025–2026: First-year application trends through February 1

Data Analytics and Research

February 16, 2026

Through February 1, 2026, 1,401,214 first-year applicants had submitted 9,188,630 applications—a 2% increase in applicants and a 5% rise in total applications compared to the same point last year. Students applied to an average of 6.56 colleges, up slightly from 6.37, continuing the steady upward trend in application volume and reach.

Key findings include:

• Growth in applicants and applications – Application activity continues to rise year over year.
• More applications per student – The average number of applications per applicant increased, signaling that students are broadening their options and institutions may face higher review volumes.
• Shifts in applicant demographics – Growth in applications from low- and middle-income communities and first-generation students highlights the ongoing expansion of access efforts across institutions.
• Geographic variation in application trends – While overall volume increased in the United States, the number of international applicants decreased compared to this time last season.