College admissions are less competitive than you think

While most in the media tend to focus on ultra-low acceptance rates of Ivy League colleges, in reality, most colleges aren’t nearly that competitive.

In fact, at most public and private colleges, the acceptance rate is over 50%.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 84% percent of public colleges admit at least half of all students who apply, and 80% of all private, not-for-profit colleges do.

And these less competitive colleges enroll significantly more students than the small number of schools that have lower acceptance rates.

Image Source: Vox

These statistics turn the conventional notion that the college admissions process is ultra-competitive.

If you’re a good student, you shouldn’t be discouraged by the low acceptance rates you hear about in the media. You have many choices, and you likely have a chance of acceptance at the majority of colleges in the country, many of which offer a quality educational experience–at a much lower price than those ultra-competitive private colleges.

And if cost is a concern, remember that there are plenty of other viable options at lower price than those ultra-competitive private colleges.