Notable Trends in College Applications

THE CLASS OF 2025 is seeing strong college outcomes, with rising admission percentages and a growing interest in large public universities, specialized programs, and highly selective institutions.

One key trend continues—the increasing number of seniors applying to major southeastern public universities. Over the past three years, applications to schools such as Clemson, Auburn, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Alabama have risen significantly. This reflects national trends, with more students drawn to large public universities due to increased athletic visibility (“ESPN schools”), experiential factors like Greek life and sports culture, and strong regional connections for many families. Notably, for the first time ever, Clemson has surpassed UNC Chapel Hill as the most applied to school among our seniors.

While final decisions are still pending, early results are promising:

Early Decision Success: 39% of the class applied Early Decision to 25 different colleges, with a strong 61% acceptance rate.

National Recognition: Two National Merit Semi-Finalists have advanced to Finalist standing.

UNC Chapel Hill: Early Action acceptances to UNC Chapel Hill have increased compared to last year, with more decisions still to come.

HBCU Growth: Applications to Historically Black Colleges and Universities have doubled in the past two years.

Expanding Interests and Unique Acceptances: More seniors are seeking niche programs, with acceptances to schools like Parsons Paris (fashion design), Baylor/Embry-Riddle (aeronautical studies), Barnard (women’s college), and West Point (military service).

Lily Giardi Named a Jefferson Scholar

Senior Lily Giardi was named to the Jefferson Scholars Program at the University of Virginia. Designed to attract outstanding undergraduate students, the highly selective scholarship will cover her entire cost of attendance for four years, plus supplemental enrichment experiences.

For those who know Lily, it’s not surprising why she stood out among her peers. Lily is a strong student, winning numerous academic awards in both the humanities and sciences and was named to the NC Governor’s School. She is a dedicated student-athlete on the cross-country and track and field teams, playing roles on two state championship and three state runners-up teams.

And she is a passionate leader. Lily founded and serves as president of the Female Athletes of Country Day Club, a place for girls to feel supported and celebrated. She also is president of the school’s Running Works Club and Spanish Club.

Lily’s academic advisor, Vicky Waldthausen ’08, says: “Lily makes learning look easy. It’s probably because she learns for the sake of learning, not for the sake of a letter that is all too often seen as the most important part of school. Lily is curious and interested in the world around her, and it shows in her consistent effort and desire to grow. She sees learning as a tool—a key— that will help her understand herself and the world she lives in.”