<p>I think that there are many factors that lead to the increase in admissions to ivies and top 20 schools: ( no particular order)</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Prestige- No matter what an HYP applicant SAYS, prestige will always be a factor ( small or large) for applicants. I think UChicago’s huge increase was in part due to its top ten status in the US ranking. I feel like rankings have become more important to students than 10 years ago.</p></li>
<li><p>Financial Aid- As more students and their parents learn about the financial aid that these schools give, people are aware that a top education doesn’t cost top dollars anymore. Many people will pay nothing, and this definitely attracts more students as they understand that money will not prevent them from getting in.</p></li>
<li><p>More people- Like you said, I think that there are more high school seniors therefore more who apply to top schools</p></li>
<li><p>No chance students- I feel like more and more students apply JUST to see if they can get in. I know many people with extremely low stats who are applying just for the heck of it. </p></li>
<li><p>Diversity - The ivy league has tried to escape the white, preppy stereotype that people used to associate with the ivies by introducing AA. Now that more URMS know they have a better chance of getting in and the population isn’t so homogenous, I think more are applying.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>These are just some things that I think contribute to the increase of applicants, but I don’t think its because people are just smarter know than before.</p>