The world of college admissions is continually evolving, and the latest data from top schools help provide insights into trends from the 2023 application cycle. Given an increase in 2023 early decision applicants, Marks Education has taken a closer look at what’s been happening at some top schools.
Early Decision (ED) Application Focus
Many universities have reported significant spikes in their early decision (ED) application pool. We’ll know more about what this data means as we receive regular decision admission notifications.
Here is a More Advanced Look at College Admission Statistics at Some of the Country’s Top Schools.
Barnard College:
Barnard College received a record breaking 1,694 early decision applications, representing a 23 application increase from the previous year.
Boston University:
Boston University received 3,832 early decision applications, marking a 4.8% increase. Out of the early decision admits, 20% were international students, 21% were first generation, and 5% were legacy applicants. Of those admitted, 35% submitted standardized test scores, with an average SAT score of 1454 and an ACT® score of 32.
Columbia University:
Columbia University experienced a 5% increase in ED applications, receiving a total of 6,009.
Dartmouth College:
Dartmouth College saw an 18% increase in early decision applications, receiving 3,550. The school admitted 606 students ED with an admit rate of 17%. 75% of admits submitted test scores, with the mid-50% of SAT takers sitting between 1480-1560.
Duke University:
Duke University saw a 28.5% increase in early decision applicants for the class of 2028, with 6,240 students applying. This surge led to a record-low 12.9% acceptance rate, with 806 students admitted.
Emory University:
Emory University received 2,704 early decision I (EDI) applications, resulting in an admit rate of 31.9% and 865 admitted students. Among the admits, 61% provided standardized test scores, though more specific ranges were not available.
University of Georgia:
The University of Georgia reported a substantial increase in early applications, totaling 26,760, marking an uptick of nearly 700 applications. Out of these applicants, the University of Georgia denied 4,500-5,000 and deferred 13,000. The acceptance rate for in-state students was 50%, while out of state students held onto a 25% admit rate. Of admits, SAT scores at the mid-50% hovered between 1370-1500, and for those submitting ACT®, the mid-50% held scores between 31-34.
Harvard University:
Harvard University experienced a 17% decrease in single choice action applications, receiving 7,921 applications. The admit rate was 8.7%, the lowest in over 10 years highlighting the increased competitiveness in the admissions process.
Penn State:
Penn State experienced a slight increase in early decision applications, with 8,500+ students applying, marking an approximately 6% uptick. However, unlike some other institutions, no additional detailed information was released about the admission outcomes of the class of 2028.
University of Tennessee: The University of Tennessee reported a 28% increase in early action applications, receiving 49,248 and admitting 16,761 students, holding a 34% admit rate.
Tulane University:
While exact numbers were not provided, Tulane University noted a 20% increase in early decision (EDI) applications and a 30% increase in early action applications. As has been the case in previous years, Tulane is trying to be conservative with ED admits to save room for regular decision students.
University of Massachusetts Amherst:
UMass Amherst reported an impressive 30,000+ early action applications, marking an increase of approximately 1,500 applications from the previous year and a substantial growth trend over the past five years.
Vanderbilt University:
The university is expected to make decisions about future testing requirements in the coming months.
Williams College:
Williams College experienced a 13% increase in early decision applications, receiving 1068 applications. However, the admit rate decreased to 23.4% reflecting increased competition.
Yale University:
Yale University reported a slight increase in SCEA applications and admitted 709 students with a 9% admit rate.
Conclusion
All this higher education admission statistics talk making you nervous? Talk to a college admissions consultant! McLean, Bethesda, and Washington DC are all home to Marks Education’s dedicated counselors who are eager to schedule a virtual or in-person consultation to help you plan your own application to these top schools.