Understanding U.S. College Admissions

Nervous about embarking on your college admissions journey? You’re not alone — every year, countless students begin the college application process, tackling everything from application essays to financial aid forms and numerous other requirements. In the 2023-2024 cycle, over 1.4 million students applied through the Common App alone, with many more applying through other application platforms.

As an increasing number of students apply to college, and article after article focuses on the increasing difficulty of getting into college, is it time to panic? Not at all! Yes, the most selective colleges continue to report single-digit acceptance rates. However, average acceptance rates across the country are much closer to 70%.

While landing a spot at your dream school isn’t easy, it’s far from impossible. In fact, the college application process is more manageable than you might think! Your first step toward getting in? Getting familiar with the admissions process.

Acceptance Rates

Acceptance rates reflect the number of applicants a school admits from its total applicant pool — and those rates can vary drastically from as low as 3% up to 100% of applicants. Acceptance rates vary annually, depending on the number of applications and available spaces. Rates can also vary by admissions plan. For example, while Yale’s regular acceptance rate for the class of 2028 was 2.75%, its early acceptance rate was 9.02%.

Low acceptance rates can make some schools feel totally out of reach, but don’t let that deter you from applying! Many prestigious colleges and universities have low acceptance rates simply because they attract so many applicants. Don’t obsess over a school’s acceptance rate; focus on whether the school is a good fit for you. If so, your best strategy for improving your chances is understanding how to impress the admissions team by highlighting your strengths in your application.

Holistic Admissions

If you want to crack the code on college admissions, you should understand the term “holistic admissions.” The vast majority of schools in the US follow a holistic approach in their application review. These schools evaluate every aspect of your application — not just grades and test scores — to determine if you’re a good fit.

Beyond your academic accomplishments, colleges want to know what makes you, well, you. They’re interested in:

• Challenges you’ve faced
• Goals you’ve set
• Your passions
• Your values

Those other “ingredients” aside, your academic history remains a critical factor that will heavily influence their decision. Looking at the average GPA and test scores of admitted students can give you an idea of how well your academic background aligns with a school’s expectations.

Types of Admissions Plans

Colleges typically divide their application process into several deadlines, which we’ve categorized into four main admission types.

• Early Decision: A binding admissions plan for students applying to their first-choice school. You can only apply to one school via ED. If accepted, you must accept your offer of admission. ED deadlines generally fall in early to mid-November.
• Early Action: A non-binding admissions plan for students who want to apply early but keep their options open. Early action allows you to apply to multiple schools early. However, restrictive early action (like ED) permits early application to only one school. Early Action deadlines also fall in early to mid-November.
• Regular Decision: The most common application deadline. You can apply to as many schools as you want with no commitment to attend any school that admits you. Regular decision deadlines typically fall in early January, although some dates may be earlier or later, depending on the school.
• Rolling Admissions: A flexible admissions process where schools review applications as they are submitted. You can apply anytime during the application window, and decisions are typically made within a few weeks of submission. Since there is no fixed deadline, these schools encourage students to apply early as spots may fill quickly.

Each admissions plan has pros and cons, so be sure to consider your personal preferences, time constraints, and your level of commitment before choosing your strategy.

Application Platforms

There are different ways to submit your application. Each application platform has its own interface and unique application requirements. The most commonly used application platform is the Common Application, but it’s not the only option.

• Common Application: A centralized college application that connects students with 1000+ colleges and universities. You create an account, add schools to your list, and complete a base application to send to every school on your list. You can also work on school-specific questions and essays and then submit your final applications.
• Coalition Application: An application platform designed to support low-income and underrepresented students. Fewer schools accept this application but tend to offer generous financial aid packages and low-cost tuition.
• Questbridge Application: A unique application for high-achieving, low-income students. Finalists of the National College Match program can apply to up to 15 partner schools. Selected students gain a full, four-year scholarship if admitted to their top choice school.
• School-Specific Applications: Individualized applications offered by specific schools or school systems. For example, Georgetown University requires potential students to apply via the Georgetown Application. The UC system (e.g., UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC San Diego) requires potential students to submit the UC Application.

Your school choices and background will dictate which application to use. 

Want more tips and insights? Check out our full Guide to College Admissions here.