<p>I have just begun seeing reports from schools on the number of applications they have received for the 2013-2014 school year. St. Paul's is reporting a 10% increase in completed applications (1580 this year vs 1480 last year.) The Hiil in Pottstown received over 900 applications for the 130 spaces in next year's freshman class, and Andover has seen a 47% increase in applications since 2002. Does anyone else have any statistics to share? All signs point to increasingly difficult acceptance decisions.</p>
<p>Well that’s to be expected. Every year the alumni base grows and people notice. Words gets around and it’ll keep spreading.</p>
<p>Schools also seem to be doing a lot more marketing. My oldest son applied in 2010, and there have been far more emails and mailings this year (my next son is on deck.) At the same time, I find it surprising that the application numbers keep going up when the economy has yet to significantly improve. After all, boarding school is a significant investment. I also wonder if boarding schools in every tier are seeing these increases.</p>
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<p>I suspect the increase is largely driven by Wall St rather than Main St kids. Think about all the stock index gains for the past couple of years…</p>
<p>I have also wondered about the increase in applications. Compared to when my first son applied 6 years ago the acceptance rates have been cut in half at most schools. However, at least two top tier schools have confirmed to me that most of the increase has come from overseas, primarily China. By “increase” I mean the increase in the number of applications while the number of slots is largely unchanged, thus the decrease in the acceptance rate.</p>
<p>Hey Paobs, did Andover state that the number or applications increased from 2012-2013, or did they just say that it increased 42% from 2002.</p>
<p>Competition for Chinese kids is brutal. At some schools, there are 150 to 200 Chinese applicants for 2 to 4 slots. The increase in Chinese applicants has driven down admissions rates which then fuels increases in US applicants as they see the admissions rates dip lower and then apply to more schools in the hopes of better overall odds. Add to that, that word has gotten out that FA is available and you see more there. I don’t have any hard numbers, but I would not be surprised if the number of FP US applicants ( not applications) is relatively stable.</p>
<p>No numbers yet for this year at Andover. 47% is aggregate growth since 2002.</p>
<p>Ok Thanks. Man, I really wish there was a way to find out how many people applied in 2002 now.</p>