It’s no secret that the college application process has changed over the last thirty, twenty, and even two years. Applications used to be sent by mail but are now submitted online. Standardized testing used to be a key metric; now, students must be well-rounded academically and personally beyond their test scores. But what else about the application process has changed? Read on for seven ways in which applying for college looks different.
The Common Application is widely used
The Common Application was developed in the 1970s as a one-stop shop in which students can digitally apply to many colleges at once. The Common App has grown from its initial 15 colleges and universities to being utilized by over 1,000 U.S. schools.
Students fill out demographic and financial information and a standard essay that goes to all colleges on their list; some schools, like UVA, request additional information such as supplemental essays. But the important thing is that it’s all in one place, eliminating some of the headaches involved with keeping track of all the applications! To learn more about the Common App, check out our article here or visit the Common App website.
Students are applying to more colleges
According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling, 81% of incoming freshman submitted three or more applications to colleges in 2017. This is up from 61% in 1995 and it is estimated that 36% of applicants submitted seven or more college applications, an increase from 10% in 1995. Students are also more likely to apply to schools outside of their region than in past decades. For students with financial needs, most schools waive application fees, which can be very helpful when students apply to multiple schools.
Selective schools are getting more selective
With more students applying to more schools, selective colleges — like UVA — accept fewer applicants. As students build their list of colleges to which they plan to apply, it is important they include a few that are traditionally less selective. Students should also discuss their list with their school counselor so they can set reasonable expectations for themselves. However, it is important to remember that most colleges accept the majority of their applicants, so don’t get discouraged!
College is more expensive
Over the past two decades, college tuition has increased in price more than any other good or service besides healthcare, with costs rising faster than inflation. Federal grants for school have unfortunately not kept pace with the cost of college; however, there has been an increase in scholarship opportunities to partially fill this void.
Students can reduce the financial burden of college by earning general credits while in high school or starting college at a local community college. Scholarship opportunities are available for all types of students and an extensive search can be very worthwhile. Check out our article on financial aid available at UVA to start looking! It is also wise to apply to multiple colleges so that students can compare financial aid packages.
Researching colleges is easier
Colleges have extensive websites, offer virtual tours, and have a strong social media presence. This means it’s much easier to learn about a school without visiting, which can relieve the financial strain of visiting multiple schools. Many clubs, degree programs, sports teams, and majors within a university have their own social media pages that students can explore and follow, which is especially helpful in showing applicants what life at that university might be like.
Admission offices have a heavy social media presence as well and they are great way to learn about what each school is looking for in an applicant. UVA’s Dean J shares information on her blog and other social media accounts for this very purpose.
Standardized testing has changed
The role of standardized testing varies between schools. Some schools use test scores as automatic entry points, while others (including UVA) rely less on standardized test scores than in years past. This seems to be the trend amongst selective schools, and more recent studies have shown that standardized test scores are not reliable predictors of school readiness or performance.
UVA reviews applications holistically and is much more interested in the academic promise shown through the student’s high school transcript. This is because a student’s transcript reveals more about their years of academic work than a testing session can show. Reporting standardized test scores became optional for many schools due to limited testing opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic and UVA has been test optional for the last three application rounds.
Parents are more involved
With the increased financial burden of college, parents have become more involved in the college search process. Families should have transparent discussions before students begin researching and applying to schools; reviewing and discussing financial aid packages and how an intended major and career paths can affect both financial futures may be helpful. Check out our article on planning for college financially during high school for some tips!