<p>A hat tip to NewHope33, who asked in a recent thread specifically about Brandeis: </p>
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Are there other colleges and universities followed by CC members that have reported fewer applications?
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<p>I wonder about that too, so thanks for asking. What have each of you heard about applications this year as compared to last year at colleges you are keeping watch on? To the best of my knowledge and belief, all the colleges to which my son has applied this school year have seen an increase in applications, some of more than 15 percent. I guess that's good news for him if he gets in, but may make getting in all the more difficult. Are other colleges getting fewer applications, corresponding to some colleges this year getting many more than last year?</p>
<p>I think most colleges with flat growth or decreases are not making the information available yet. If you feature this thread or the linked thread, people may post more information.</p>
<p>FYI, to clarify, a recent Boston Business Journal article suggests that Brandeis applications have rebounded this year (Williams, Middlebury and others took hits last year as well based on the economy.</p>
<p>In general, populations of new high school graduates are declining in New England and in the Upper Midwest, as well as isolated states elsewhere (Montana, New Mexico). I have to assume that translates into fewer applications and lower enrollments at lower-tier public institutions in those regions, as well as at more marginal private colleges, especially in New England where they are really numerous. I think everyone recognizes that, long term, those regions are over-colleged, and that some institutions are going to have to be converted to other uses.</p>