NACAC College Admission Process Survey
Survey
Aug. 2023
Sample Size:
1,010
Demographics:
US adults
High school students
Topics:
Admissions And Enrollment
Top Findings:
- About three-quarters of those who have applied/are applying to college (76%) say completing their applications feels like such a decisive moment in their lives, with a similar proportion (73%) fearing a small mistake in their application could limit their chances of acceptance. Half (52%) say this has been more stressful than anything else they have done academically.
- Nearly three in five who have applied/are applying to college (59%) wish they had wish greater support in completing their applications. This cohort most commonly rely on parents/guardians (72%), high school counselors (49%), or high school teachers (41%) for assistance when applying to colleges.
- Slight majorities describe the admission process as fair (58% vs. 42% rigged) and feel it accounts for the most important elements of an applicant (53% vs. 47% does not). More than seven in 10 young adults believe there is a lot of bias involved in college admission office decisions (74%) and that the process clearly advantages the wealthy and privileged (72%).
- Seven in 10 young adults who have applied/are applying to college (70%) feel those in the admission office really cared about their success. The majority feel the admission office they interacted with performed well, particularly related to being respectful (92%), clarity on requirements and process (88%), providing helpful responses (87%), and answering in a timely manner (87%).