<p>“Note that I do not have a source to back me up, but I HEARD that this is true because there are less students in the class of 2012 than there were in last year’s graduating class. This will be of good benefit to us if it is true!”</p>
<p>It is true that the total universe of U.S. kids is slightly smaller and starting on a downward slope. And, the economy is persuading a lot of very competitive kids to select their state flagships.</p>
<p>But, the common application has made it easier for applicants to apply to many schools and there is some evidence that there are more students willing to attend college far from home than in previous years - this has made the tipy top schools more competitive.</p>
<p>I have not seen any data to suggest that standardized test scores are any lower or higher. We’ll have to keep our eyes and ears out for more information.</p>