College consulting group AcceptU just released a national survey of more than 400 high school students and parents’ views of the current college environment.
Issues range from affirmative action and covid policies to other political and social issues.
1. Half of applicants want to ban legacy admission, which is a preference given by an institution or organization to certain applicants on the basis of their familial relationship to alumni of that institution, and one-third support affirmative action.
2. Families on the impact of political and social issues on college choice.
30-40% of students said that politics and social issues significantly influence their college decisions. 10-20% of students also said social issues, such as feminism and racial inclusivity, as key factors in their choice of college.
But more than half of student respondents indicated that politics and social issues have little to no impact on their college planning, suggesting emphasis on other factors in selecting universities.
Parents surveyed on this topic also had similar views. The study found around 30-40% expressed that the political and social climate is a major factor in their child’s college selection process.
3. COVID-19 no longer has an impact on college planning for the majority of families.
4. Eighty percent of students cite cost as the dominant factor influencing their college decisions Among students.
5. Students are stressed about the college process and the majority say their parents are the cause.
6.Parents are deeply involved – and many say it’s because schools are falling short.
7. College rankings still matter a lot.
57% said college ranking was an important factor in determining where they are applying.
8. Applicants are taking a pragmatic approach, prioritizing academics, cost and career
9. Twenty-five percent of students are opting for test-optional; many are skeptical of testing efficacy
Marc Zawel, CEO of AcceptU, said the result of the survey show diverse responses but also highlight evolving trends.
We’re seeing a paradigm shift in applicant behavior, priorities and strategies, fundamentally altering the landscape for students, parents and educational institutions alike,” said Stephen Friedfeld, COO of AcceptU.
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