"Colleges set records in applications and admissions figures, despite lingering concerns of many experts that the programs favor wealthier applicants. Admit rates are dropping.
In 2018, many colleges with competitive admissions announced new efforts to encourage and help low-income and middle-income students apply and enroll. The University of Chicago announced that it was going test optional. Johns Hopkins University, courtesy of a $1.8 billion gift from Michael Bloomberg, announced that it would be need blind in admissions. Rice University and Colby College expanded financial aid to reach more families." …