First-year applications per applicant

The analysis examines the number of applications first-year students submit through the Common App and the factors associated with higher application counts. It highlights trends in applicant behavior and characteristics that influence the number of colleges students apply to.

Key findings include:

• Most students submit five or fewer applications, showing that the majority maintain a focused application strategy.
• A growing number of students are submitting 15 or more applications, reflecting a trend toward broader application strategies among certain groups.
• Students who submit many applications tend to have higher standardized test scores, come from international backgrounds, or attend private high schools.
• Application behavior varies by applicant demographics and school type, suggesting that access to resources and guidance can influence the number of colleges to which students apply.

Rising application volumes underscore the increasing complexity of college admissions and the need to support students in making informed decisions.