As the students of the graduating Class of 2024 began to prepare for their last remaining months in high school, they most notably found themselves overcoming the long process of college admissions.
Anxiously waiting for the next step in higher education, the 2024 college admissions present themselves with stunning new obstacles as students prepare to count themselves among the coming generation of college students.
Just as college admissions continue to be competitive, many schools saw the number of applicants increase for the class of 2028. As stated through the Common App data, there was an increase of 6 percent compared to last year’s college admissions; however, statistics show that this year’s acceptance rate was slightly even lower compared to previous years. Consequently, colleges are becoming more selective in their admissions.
“Since the major I chose was nursing, the college admissions were very competitive since there was a lower acceptance rate in schools that did provide direct entry nursing,” said Ceejae Minell De Lumen ’24.
Additionally, Beatriz Dimayuga ’24 shared how she believes “there was a decrease in college admissions this year. From what I’ve heard and seen from my peers, the UC admissions especially decreased this year due to the increase of applicants.”
Renowned colleges such as Colombia, Yale, and MIT faced a significant decrease in acceptance rates, showcasing historic marks in the institutions. While admission rates have been notoriously known for uncertainty, they present a newer perspective for future generations and what they will have to face once applying for college.
“We see students authentically engaged in classes and activities they enjoy do well in this process because it shines through in their application. It’s also important for students to consider what college environment they would thrive in,” said college counselor MelissaNagar.
New trends in 2024 are shaping many of the esteemed colleges’ decisions this year. News of testing requirements, such as the SATs and ACTs, are slowly making a comeback.
As seniors awaited news about college admissions, and whether they landed a spot or not, some found themselves stuck on waiting lists. Not only that, but the long and rigorous process of college admissions opened a new perspective for many of our seniors, propelling them to finish strong in their last remaining months of high school.
Dimayuga ’24 shared that her college application experience was long and tedious. “I had to write countless essays and do a lot of reflecting on what I accomplished in the past 4 years but finishing them was very rewarding.”
Being considered one of the most selective colleges, UCLA found themselves with a typically low rate of admissions from their waiting list. As stated in the SF Chronicle, much of the current freshman class had gotten off the waitlist compared to previous years. Like UCLA, many similar institutions mirror the same competitive nature of the college admissions process each year.
Nagar expressed how “Regardless of the trends, there is always a frenzy around the college application process. I think students expect that things will be competitive so there is a lot of pressure.”
With college acceptance letters finding their way to the Class of 2024, seniors are now on their way to the first step in a lifelong journey of self exploration. Not only is college an ultimate destination, but it provides a life changing experience that is filled with a great deal of opportunities, challenges, and an environment for academic and personal growth.
“Applying to college can feel overwhelming at times since there are many emotions about getting into the college that is right for you. Making sure to complete deadlines and talking to the college counselors are extremely helpful since they are the main support of the whole process,” said De Lumen as she shares advice to the next coming batch of seniors at Riordan.
