<p>4461 - even with the economy - when some BS and colleges went need blind, it gave people an incentive to apply that would not have done it before.</p>
<p>The growth of the internet and discussion boards like this makes the choices more “appealing” as students and parents debate the merits. Even my daughter’s new school had ten applicants for every spot.</p>
<p>I’ve also noticed an increase in foreign applicants. I agree - people who see BS as a guaranteed pathway to an IVY are kidding themselves. The colleges are getting “hip” to that trend.</p>
<p>As an international student, I agree that there’s been significant increase in the foreign pool. Just 2 years ago, I didn’t know anything about BS; 1 year ago, I was hesitating about applying; and this year, I and many of my friends applied to a bunch of schools each. </p>
<p>But the internet makes it SEEM too easy to get a scholarship to BS. On this board, many people would tell you that they got this and that FA/scholarship. In fact, it’s never that easy. I was waitlisted/rejected by most schools I applied to.</p>
<p>4461Mom-
I didn’t say the economic climate caused the increase in applications. Chances of getting off the waitlist are directly tied into initial yield - how many slots they fill by 4/10 - not # of applicants. </p>
<p>The past two years have been unusual. And yes there is an increase in applications at the top tier schools, not just from internationals, but from Americans as well. I suspect the internet has a lot to do with it. I wonder what percentage compared to past years are looking for financial aid ?</p>
<p>I’m going to venture to say - “a lot”. Some of the most well-heeled families in my city are suddenly asking for financial aid or withdrawing their children and placing them back in public school (albeit they live in wealthy communities with great schools to begin with).</p>
<p>I think the economy may have hit those we least expect. And many full pays are taking out loans when they were writing checks before that. Also, the foreign exchange rates may have made our tuition bills seem that more attractive. It wasn’t long ago when the US dollar was worth half a British pound and created an influx of tourism because it was cheaper to fly here and buy goods than overseas. So factor that into the calculation.</p>
<p>I spoke to admissions officers at several top tier BS during revisits and asked about the increase in applications. All attributed it to a “flight to quality”. I was also told that both full pay and financial aid applications had increased by roughly the same amount.</p>
<p>Hi, I am new to cc and I noticed several people posted admissions chances improve with a HOOK. If I dont need FA what HOOKS will help my chances?</p>