2 — Wednesday, May 4, 2022 — North Pointe
NEWS
College admission rates reach an all time low By Grace Cueter, Bee Bielak, Alyssa King & Parker O'Neill MANAGING EDITOR, SECTION EDITOR, STAFF REPORTER & INTERN In past months, the graduating class of 2022 saw a sharp decline in admission rates at many top schools. The top 100 schools from the US News’ College Rankings List reported noticeably lower acceptance rates compared to past years. Ivy League universities, especially, released acceptance rates that the country has never seen. While these prestigious schools' admissions statistics usually remain between five and ten percent, many dropped below, including Harvard which released their statistic of a 3.2 percent acceptance rate for the class of 2022. This dramatic decline in acceptances can be linked to an increase in applications. When COVID-19 caused a worldwide shutdown in 2020, it became very difficult for many students to take the standardized tests required for a college application. To resolve this issue, over two thirds of the 2,330 fouryear colleges in the US allowed test-optional admissions through 2023, according to the New York Times. While this relieved the stress of many applicants, it also pushed a large number of students to apply to schools that they might not if tests were required. This increase in applicants with stable admittance numbers caused a natural, yet dramatic decrease in acceptance rates. Adding to the list of boxes to check on an application, each student was now tasked with the decision of whether or not to submit their test scores. Independent academic consultant Karen French, who acts as a college admissions coach for many students, feels that there are both positives and negatives to testoptional admissions. While they allow applicants to be viewed as more than just a test score, they bring uncertainty as to whether or not applications with and without test scores will be equally considered. “They're looking for other ways to understand students and their abilities outside of just GPA and test scores,” French said. “I think that's a positive. But what happens so much in life is what we think is a relief always has other reverberations right down the road. There's no action without a reaction.”
In her more than 10 years of experience with admissions, French has noticed a shift in what colleges consider impressive, one that has made GPAs and test scores less of a focus. While those academic accomplishments are very important in an application, schools have become increasingly interested in students who truly know their skills and interests. “I have noted that a characteristic admired by most admissions officers is passion,” French said. “They just love to see a student who has taken initiative, had an interest, developed a passion and just sort of blossomed in that passion.” While test scores are decreasing in their level of importance, counselor Kimberly Deptula notes that they can increase scholarship opportunities and gives insight into the possible benefits of sharing test scores. “I would say that they're valuing the rigor of the curriculum more,” Deptula said. “I would also say that for students who have test scores that are above the average, for a lot of schools, that's really working to their benefit. We're seeing that even if a school is test-optional, submitting test scores can be really advantageous to students' applications.” Applicants are not alone in the fear resulting from the decreasing acceptance rates. Many colleges have noticed the dramatic drop as well, and are worried about its possible effects. Because of this, some schools, such as Princeton University, have decided to withhold their
admission statistics. According to the Daily Princetonian, the university does not want low admission rates to cause anxiety in students and possibly discourage them from applying entirely. While admission statistics are certainly a factor that students consider when applying to colleges, senior Luke Borowski believes that they are not the only thing to consider when applying. He says that the amount of essays that are often required on an application can feel like a large task. “It was hard doing a lot of different essays for each school and sometimes could feel like an overwhelming process,” Borowski said. “Reaching out to the amazing faculty at Grosse Pointe North, whether it were a counselor or teacher, really helped me in my application process, along with the support of my family.” As one of the many that are part of the support offered to students, Deptula gives future applicants advice amidst the constantly changing application process and standards. “I would say students who are applying for the next admission cycle can already be working on their activities list,” Deptula said. “They can be brainstorming on their essay, and continuing to keep their grades up at the end of their junior year. And, staying in contact with their counselor is so important because we can help with every step of the process.” The drop in admission rates has sparked fear in many applicants, however French says that it is not something that students should be worried about. She emphasizes the idea that every student can find the school that is the right fit for them, and it will not always be one with an acceptance rate below 10%. “That dramatic pace is really at the most selective schools,” French said. “There's so many amazing colleges. Kids don't need to necessarily worry, it's a trend, but it's not across the board in all colleges.”
GRACE CUETER
