| Stop the merry-go-round. I want to get off! | | | | application process, students are compelled to apply |
| There is a vicious cycle in college admissions right | | | | to more and more colleges. With so many applicants, |
| now. Schools are rejecting more students. This | | | | colleges must deny qualified students. As a result, |
| makes students nervous so students apply to more | | | | denied students are frustrated and apply to even |
| schools. More applications means more rejections | | | | more colleges. |
| which means students get even more nervous. | | | | A college admissions merry-go-round benefits few, if |
| The good news is that people are taking steps to | | | | any. While it may help sell more test-prep services, it |
| break this cycle .But most students know little about | | | | does not help students get into the right college. |
| the dizzying college application process until they are | | | | Students and parents buy into the name recognition |
| in the middle of everything. Each fall, more than three | | | | trap without ever exploring the many high-quality, |
| million students become part of a self-perpetuating | | | | lesser-known schools that may actually be a great |
| admissions cycle that is fueled by larger-than-ever | | | | option for them. Competitive colleges are competitive |
| application pools. | | | | because they have good marketing, not necessarily |
| In spite of rising application volume, most schools still | | | | because they have good programs. |
| encourage as many students to apply as possible. | | | | However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. |
| While having a high number of applicants is good | | | | Current trends indicate that admissions professionals |
| news for schools in terms of revenue, it also means | | | | recognize the importance of breaking the admissions |
| more students will be denied. This often gives a | | | | cycle. Colleges are increasingly becoming test-optional. |
| college a reputation for being competitive, which | | | | Instead, they are conducting a more holistic |
| attracts even more applicants. | | | | evaluation of applicants, which helps increase diversity |
| Also contributing to large application pools is the | | | | and keeps the college admissions process flexible. |
| Common Application, which lets students apply to | | | | While the college admissions process may seem like a |
| multiple colleges with just one application. This is a | | | | merry-go-round, students and parents can do their |
| time saver for students, but it also adds to the | | | | part to slow it down by closely examining schools |
| merry-go-round effect. Uncertain about which schools | | | | and the needs and preferences of the future |
| will accept them, and encouraged by the ease of the | | | | student. |