Common App applications surge 5% as testing and policy shifts reshape college admissions
Applications through the Common App have risen again this year, with a 5% increase compared to 2023. The total now stands at 2.1 million more submissions than four years ago. But while domestic numbers climb, international applications have dropped by 9%.
Texas has overtaken New York as the state with the highest number of applicants. Meanwhile, Alabama and Mississippi are seeing the fastest growth in submissions. The South remains the busiest region overall, with the Southwest leading the way—applications there have jumped by 8%.
More students are also sending test scores with their applications. Nearly 784,000 submitted scores this year, a 22.9% rise over the past two years. This shift follows broader changes in US education policy, including the Supreme Court's 2023 ban on race-conscious admissions. Many universities have since reinstated SAT/ACT requirements, moving away from holistic reviews criticised for potential bias. On average, each applicant is now submitting 3% more applications than last year, totalling 6.59 per student. First-generation applicants have grown by 6%, while Black applicants have seen an 8% year-over-year increase. However, international interest has waned, with declines across all regions except the Americas. The return of standardised testing reflects wider policy shifts. Since 2021, state-level laws—particularly in Florida—and post-2024 election pressures have pushed universities to restore pre-pandemic admissions standards, aiming for what policymakers describe as greater fairness and academic rigour.
The latest data shows a mixed picture: domestic demand for higher education is rising, but international interest is falling. With test scores making a comeback and policy changes reshaping admissions, universities face a shifting landscape. The number of applications per student continues to grow, reflecting increased competition for places.
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