<p>With the economy in turmoil, many (including admissions officers) predicted that applications to elite universities such as ivy league universities would be down from last year as more families opted for cheaper schools such as state schools. Many colleges, however, are reporting that ED and EA applications are up by substantial margins, as much as 40% in some cases. So the question is, what will this mean for Regular Decision? Do you think RD will go down, or will there be a similar increase of RD applicants as for EA/ED?</p>
<p>This is what seems to be happening with early action:</p>
<p>Part of the reason schools like Yale are looking so attractive right now is because of their superb financial aid programs. Many counselors and their students are more aware that the ‘sticker price’ is usually not the price you pay for top universities, and that has had an effect on the increase.</p>
<p>Brown has actually seen a decrease in its ED applications this year. It’s also one of those schools that doesn’t have a financial aid program to the caliber of Harvard, Yale, or Princeton.</p>
<p>In addition, I would assume that a good proportion of the people who apply to Ivies are also ones who could afford SAT prep, crazy summer adventures, and traveling to Bosnia for community service. The downturn in the economy probably affects these candidates less.</p>
<p>For regular decision, a downturn is possible but I assume the number of applications will be about the same. For Yale, the financial aid package is really a hook for students, but you’ll also see candidates who know they would never get in saving their money and trimming their college list. At the same time, you have to think about the families out there that are encouraging their children to send out even MORE applications in case they don’t get in somewhere.</p>