It has been an eye-opening year in college admissions as most universities adopted a test-optional policy for the Class of 2021 due to testing unavailability all over the world. This led to the most selective colleges in the nation shattering records for freshman applicants. (Colgate saw a 104% increase in freshmen applications!) Universities are also on track to significantly widen access to underrepresented students, many of whom saw the ACT/SAT as a barrier to the college application process.
Our seniors were thoughtful about the college search and application process as they considered the best academic, social and financial fit. They applied to 122 colleges in 28 states and two countries. Seventy percent of applications were submitted through non-binding Early Action and 41% submitted apps through binding Early Decision.
While our students have been learning remotely since March 2020, we’re still celebrating their success. We hosted our first Senior Week on April 26-30, which culminated with the Seventh Annual College Burn Party where seniors used colorful chalk to write the name of the college they’re attending on the massive cement wall just outside of the high school building and brought college deny/waitlist letters to set up in flames.
Hats off to the Class of 2021!