The 2020 pandemic continues to affect college applications in 2022, with an unprecedented increase in college applicants, a decrease in college acceptance rates, the rise of test-optional schools, and the elimination of SAT subject tests, among other factors. Public perception regarding higher education continues to evolve as well. The introduction of online and hybrid learning has prompted students and parents alike to consider the cost and value of a college application more critically.

Overall, there are lots of new college admissions trends for 2022. Whether you are a student, parent, or educator, it’s important to stay current. In this article, we will discuss the latest college admissions trends for 2022, including the increased numbers of waitlisted students, college deferrals, transfer students, and international student recruitments.

Test-Optional Admissions

Many schools adopted test-optional policies during 2020 and 2021 college admissions. This continues to be the case in 2022. As of fall 2021, 65% of colleges in the U.S. are officially test-optional, with a recent survey citing that 68% of test-optional institutions plan to make this policy permanent moving forward. That said, college admissions are becoming increasingly more competitive. Exceptional SAT and ACT scores can help distinguish your college application and set you apart from your peers.

Class of 2026 College Acceptance Rates

Why are college acceptance rates decreasing? This year there was an influx of college applicants, with Common App experiencing a 22% surge in total applications submitted. This can partially be accounted for by the rising trend in test-optional admissions policies. Students who did not test well and would otherwise limit their college applications to “fit” and “safety” schools are applying to more prestigious schools.

If you are wondering, will it be easier to get into college in 2022? the answer is no. In fact, the class of 2026 college acceptance rates is at a record low. This is especially true for Ivy League colleges.

Let’s look at a few statistics to get a better idea of college admissions trends for 2022: Between the 2021 and 2022 admissions cycle, Amherst College’s college acceptance rate decreased from 12% to 7%; Boston College’s college acceptance rate decreased from 32% to 16%; Colgate College’s college acceptance rate decreased from 27% to 12%; Harvard University’s college acceptance rate decreased from 5% to 3%; and Dartmouth College’s college acceptance rate decreased from 10% to 6%.

A Decline in Demonstrated Interest

Although college applications have increased significantly this year, with record low college acceptance rates, studies also show that high school students are showing lower rates of demonstrated interest in attending college. In 2020 high school students’ demonstrated interest dropped by 7%.

Effectively, this has caused college admissions to scramble to uphold their reputations and admissions statistics. What does this mean for college applicants? Basically, there is less pressure to “play it cool” in your college applications. If you want to go somewhere and are wondering when should I apply for college in 2022?, let admissions know by applying for Early Decision.

Increased Numbers of College Deferrals

There has been an increasing number of college admissions deferrals since the beginning of the pandemic, with more and more students electing to take a gap year. Students are hesitant to start college amidst various COVID-19 restrictions and are especially resistant to taking online classes and having limited socialization. Due to these factors, a record number of students have chosen to send college deferral letters, with the hope that attending college will feel more “normal” in another year’s time.

Longer College Waitlists

Due to the increase in college deferrals, colleges no longer have stable admissions statistics to help them plan accordingly for their incoming classes. Because of this, there has been a significant increase in the number of waitlisted students to help account for this recent increase in college deferrals. While receiving a college waitlist letter can feel disappointing, you are probably wondering how does a college waitlist work? or do waitlisted students get accepted? your overall odds of admissions are higher this year than in previous years.

Increased Number of Transfer Students

There is also an increased number of college transfer students in 2022 as well. This is partly because many first-year college students were unable to schedule in-person college tours due to COVID-19 restrictions. Choosing a college is a difficult decision so it makes sense that there are higher rates of transfer students this year. As campuses slowly reopen and allow more in-person college tours, transfer students are making more informed, mindful decisions about where they want to earn their undergraduate degrees.

An Increase in International Student Recruitments

As COVID-19 international travel restrictions are lifting, college admissions are increasing their efforts to recruit international students. In 2020 and 2021 international student populations took a significant hit. International students contribute significantly to colleges in the U.S., both culturally and financially. Because of this, colleges are eager to increase their international numbers and diversify their college campuses.

AP Classes Become More Significant

The SAT subject tests have been eliminated. Effectively, this has placed an increased focus on AP classes and AP test scores. Elite institutions prioritize high academic achievement. In previous years this was gauged by SAT scores, ACT scores, SAT subject tests, AP test scores, and high school transcripts. With the rise of the test-optional admissions trend and the elimination of SAT subject tests, AP classes and high school GPAs have become the main indicators of academic success.

College Essays Become More Significant

College essays are also becoming increasingly significant in the college application process. College essays, particularly supplemental college essays, help to personalize the admissions process. Colleges want to admit diverse, vibrant student bodies. This is why “holistic” admission standards are so important. Stellar test scores and impressive GPAs are important, but with the rise of college admissions, it is important to take every opportunity to stand out. Focus on writing a sincere, unique college essay. Let your passion and personality shine through! Use your college essays to give admissions officers a reason to want to admit you.

Legacy Preferences are Becoming Outdated

As college is becoming more popular and more accessible, admission standards are shifting. In the past, legacy students had a clear competitive edge when applying to schools, especially Ivy League institutions. In 2022, this is changing. Now cultural diversity is taking precedence over legacy status.

Other Factors and Key Takeaways

There have been countless cultural changes in light of the pandemic — for companies, workers, students, and families. College admissions are adjusting to the times as they navigate shifting COVID-19 protocols and anticipate college admissions trends for 2022.

Vaccination and COVID-19 outbreak statistics are also playing a significant role in where students are choosing to apply. Statistically, students are less likely to apply to schools in high-risk states and counties. Online classes and limited socialization have also become deterrents for many college applicants and play a large factor in deciding where to apply.

It’s important to stay up-to-date on trends in college admissions. As you navigate college admissions season, continue to do your research and learn more about how to decide which colleges to apply to and how to write a successful college essay.

Latest College Admissions Trends for 2022

College acceptance rates are currently at a record low. Learn more about this year’s increase in college deferrals, college waitlists, and college transfer students.

Prepory2024-10-01T13:24:05-04:00April 22, 2022|College Application Guides|

How to Use Your Summers in High School

Should high school students enroll in pre-college courses or study abroad? Learn the best ways to be productive during your high school summers.

Prepory2024-10-01T13:25:56-04:00April 20, 2022|High School Applicants|

How to Start a Nonprofit in High School (Guide & Ideas)

If you want to learn how to start a nonprofit in high school then you are in the right place. We’re going to take you through some ideas and guides to get you going in the right direction.

Prepory2024-09-27T15:10:44-04:00April 18, 2022|Extracurricular activities, High School Applicants|

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High school is the perfect place for students to learn and transfer easily into young adults. This is the best way for them to see the dynamics of the real world without all the stress that is equipped with it. In high school students should ideally be trying out new things to prepare them for what is to come. We’re going to guide you through how to start a nonprofit in high school.

One of the best ways to prepare a student for something they can expect in the real world is through a non-profit volunteer organization at school. There are many ways that volunteering can be beneficial to students, one being helping with their resumes and/or applications. Though this can be a difficult project for a student, so don’t be afraid to ask for guidance! We also have a guide that will help you with starting your own charitable organization.

Why Start a Non-Profit Organization in High School?

The option to create non-profit organizations for high school students is incredibly beneficial. There are multiple reasons why nonprofits started by high school students can be beneficial.

First, there is always a lesson to be learned, and some students will learn a different skill set that a classroom cannot teach. Some other benefits that come with starting their own nonprofit organization are to learn how to lead, learn how to be part of a team, and emulate people you admire.

Types of Non-Profit Organizations You Can Start in High School

At this point, you need to focus your goals on what you want to achieve out of this startup. There are a few different types of organizations that you can start in high school, so let’s go over the types you should consider.

Work Under An Umbrella Organization

When you sign up to run an organization when that has already been created, then you are joining an umbrella organization. The organization had already been created and registered, you would be helping bring in more business to the organization.

Since all the heavy lifting would be done, your main purpose is to marshal financial donations and resources to that umbrella organization.

Start Your Own Organization

This option is for strong-willed and dedicated students. You will be essentially starting your own organization from the ground up. Starting a new nonprofit can be challenging, but it isn’t impossible! To create your own private foundation you will need to hold a bank account, accept donations, and potentially hire a staff.

If you decide to start your own organization it will be essentially like you are starting your own business, which comes with a lot of responsibility.

How to Start a Non-Profit in High School: A Full 3-Step Guide to Umbrella Organizations

There are a few different options you can look into when you are trying to start your own nonprofit. We’re going to guide you through each one and give optimal suggestions on the best way to achieve extracurricular goals, as well as develop your college admissions gratification. Now let’s dive into how to start a nonprofit as a teenager.

Start a Club at Your High School

Starting your own club is something that you can challenge yourself to take on in high school. Your high school can efficiently be posed as your umbrella organization. The potential nonprofit that you want to start will thrive in a school based on the fact that you will have a place to host meetings and functions.

Plus you will be able to easily develop your club with students that are interested in helping with the organization that you are trying to put together.

Operate Under a Larger Nonprofit Organization

When you operate under someone else’s organization, it gives you the opportunity to use their legal assets while still achieving the goal you want. Typically you are brought on through a partnership and become a subset of their company.

Like a nonprofit, learning how to start a charity in high school is another route you can take. Take the idea to your principal or teachers and learn how to start a charity as a teenager. They are there to help you and give you the opportunities to create something more for your extracurricular activities.

Find a Community or Company Organization to be Your Sponsor

Just like using the high school when you seek another community or company organization, you will be utilizing their space for meetings and events. Not only will you be able to use the provided space, but you will also have their support. This is also beneficial because you will have a direct outlet to the community that has already been established.

How to start a nonprofit as a high schooler: A 7-step guide to start your own organization

Search Non-Profit Startup Resources

This is one of the ways to ensure that your non-profit organization has a strong foundation. Take the time to understand how the specific resources operate and you will have success with your own organization.

Pick Your Non-Profits Name

Picking a name for your organization is important, but also fun! There are tools you can use to ensure that the name you come up with is unique to you. This is your chance to be creative and figure out a name that represents your organization and its mission.

Appoint a Board of Directors

Appointing a board of directors from the get-go is important because you’ll need guidance when drafting bylaws for your organization. Your board doesn’t have to consist of a large group of people. Its intention is just to create an infrastructure that will provide support, and answer any questions you might have.

File the Incorporation in Your State

With the research you completed in step one and the help of your board of directors, you’ll want to file to make your incorporation real. There are websites that you can find through your state to file such documents properly.

Apply for Tax-Exempt Status

This may take a little bit more of your time, and is a more constructive process. Please make sure to follow all the guidelines necessary when completing this step.

Open a Bank Account for Your Organization

It’s important to open a bank for your organization because this is where all your sponsorship money will reside. To open a bank account means that you have the required documents classifying that your organization is real. Here are the specific documents that you will need; your federal tax identification number for the entity, the articles of incorporation, the bylaws, or a signed operating agreement.

Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits

The only reason you’d have to worry about obtaining licenses and permits is if you were hiring employees or selling products. Which in your case shouldn’t be applicable; however, in the off chance that it is, please apply for the appropriate documentation.

5 Nonprofit Ideas for High School Students

There are a few ways that high school students can start their own nonprofit organization. Not only will it help them with advancing in the real world, but it will also be something they can add to their college application. Have a hard time figuring out what kind of organization you want to start? Here are 5 nonprofit ideas. (Some are even found off social media!)

Food Recovery Network

Originally the student that launched this organization had the idea to take the unwanted/ leftover food from the school and give it out to homeless shelters. Since then his idea has expanded to more schools and even restaurants as well.

Building Tomorrow

A student from the College of William and Mary started an organization to improve educational facilities in Uganda. They’ve already built over 7 schools and have 8 more planned.

CollegeSpring

CollegeSpring is one nonprofit aiming to level the playing field by giving SAT prep and college counseling to low-income students.

Beauty Gap

The founder of Beauty Gap noticed little African girls were playing will European dolls. She found this unfortunate and imperialistic. Therefore she created Beauty Gap where she aims to provide dolls of color “to promote the affirmation of every child’s God-given features in a world where they are not usually celebrated.”

Kicking 4 Hunger

The ideology behind this organization is if you want to partake in the soccer tournament then you donate food rather than paying money. This then turns around and is distributed to all the people who don’t know when their next meal is coming to them.

Key takeaways on student nonprofit organizations in high school

In conclusion, starting your own non-profit organization or adding your brilliance to an existing one isn’t impossible. It will take a lot of hard work, but any student can prove themselves and get the job done. If you are looking for a way to improve your resume or college application, then think outside the box. Create a better world for you and everyone living in it.