<p>The number of apps increased by 20% last year. This year the increase is 3-4% over last year.
Considering how easy it is to submit another application to one more university via commonapp.org (granted, one would have to do additional essays for schools like Brown, but still …), the increase is not that much.
On another note, it is possible that the chances for domestic applicants will be even lower this year as Brown plans to recruit more foreign nationals. They would need brand champions in India and China as they plan to collaborate with universities over there or even start own campuses in those countries.
The desire to recruite more URM means even fewer chances for traditional domestic applicants especially for non-URM minorities from within US - Indians, Pakistanis, Asians etc.
Well, it is what it is.</p>