<p>Remember that the rise in numbers can be attributed in part to aggressive recruiting. Some target groups include URMs, students from low-income backgrounds, and internationals. These candidates might not have considered applying to an elite university, either because they thought they couldn’t afford it, didn’t stand a chance, or, in some cases, hadn’t heard of it. On the other hand, Brown (among other schools) are mailing everyone everywhere invitations to apply. Plenty of people who are very unlikely to be accepted receive brochures every year, not because the schools are interested in their applications, but because they want to up their numbers and lower their acceptance rates.</p>
<p>Sure, it’s harder to get in than it was a couple of years ago, and certainly more challenging than it was when we were born, but if you’re a qualified candidate (which most people on this board seem to be), then your chances aren’t necessarily as bad as the numbers make it out to be. A lot of people are applying because they can, and they’ll never know if they don’t. </p>
<p>The adoption of the Common App also contributes to the increase in applications. Even with supplements, it’s easier to apply to ten schools through one application system than to fill out ten separate applications.</p>