Admissions Applications increase

[chicagotousna '26]

Hello all! In the last few months, there has been some alarming news climbing out of many colleges that there has been a HUGE increase in applications. I heard for Harvard it was a 57% increase this year and for USAFA there was a almost a 50% increase. I also realize that I can only control my own application for 2026 and do not control how many people apply, but does anyone have a take on this 2025 increase: if it will stay for 2026? it is concerning for 2026 applicants? Or just any opinion or news about what the increase was for USNA?

 

[Woop199]

I have a feeling that the service academies might have gained some appeal after covid and concerns of job security in a scary time of recession and hardship. The military guarantees employment out of college, with a fat paycheck nonetheless.

 

[MidCakePa]

The correct statistic for Harvard is +42%. Similarly prestigious private schools saw similar increases. Flagship state schools saw a somewhat lower increase. Lesser-known state schools and private schools saw modest increases or even declines.

The increases are due to test-optional policies. Many schools are carrying over that policy to next year, so wouldn’t be surprised to see the application numbers remain higher than usual.

I have yet to see any national statistic from a credible source that SA applications are up beyond the usual year-to-year variance. Since the SAs went test-flexible and not test-optional, I would think any increase in applications was fairly small. We’ll know soon enough, as the SAs do release application/acceptance stats. Will be interesting to see.

As for any concerns, there really shouldn’t be any because it’s out of your control. You can choose to either apply or not apply. If you’re determined to earn an officer’s commission, and determined to get it via SA, it shouldn’t matter what the application stats are. Go do it, and work on Plan B while you’re at it. Just like any other year.

 

[Woop199]

Flagship state schools saw a somewhat lower increase.

I was surprised to hear back from UNC admissions, notifying us that there was only a 5 percent out-of-state acceptance rate this year due to an abnormally large applicant pool. I was fortunate enough to be a legacy

 

[FlyFalcon]

I was told by USAFA (during a zoom call for those who received a prep school offer) the increase was about 1-2 thousand more than normal. Now they didn't say if this was completed or just those that moved on to the candidate phase. I wouldn't worry too much. Just because people have more time doesn't mean they finish

 

[k2rider]

Probably has something to do with people thinking/hoping that Biden is eventually going to sign off on paying everybody student debt and everybody wants to get own the gravy train. Obviously this doesn't apply to the Academies but it would for Harvard, UNC, etc...

 

[MidCakePa]

Now they didn't say if this was completed or just those that moved on to the candidate phase.

Good point here. I believe SAs report “applicants” as anyone who started the process — not necessarily finished. Starting is the easiest thing to do. But as everyone here knows, the process can be long and arduous. So as implied by @FlyFalcon, be careful about reading too much into that.

 

[usna1985]

The number of applicants is irrelevant in a vacuum. The only thing important to any candidate is the number that are considered more competitive than you are by the school(s) to which you are applying vs. the number of open slots. If you're #10 of 10,000 and you're #11 of 20,000, you're golden provide the school admits at least 11 people.

 

[AFmama]

Do more applications and later deadlines mean later acceptance letters?

 

[usna1985]

^^^

There is no reason to believe this is the case. Far as anyone has heard, "everyone" will hear by April 15 (though there are almost always a few exceptions for reasons unknown.