Walking around the hallways you’ve probably noticed that the seniors are looking even more tired and worn down than usual, which is really saying something. This is because college application season is here and the amount of supplemental essays that some seniors are writing are enough to make anyone think about skipping out on college altogether. Coming up is October 15th, the Early Application deadline for a lot of schools. Keeping this in mind, we wanted to find out where exactly the Class of 2025 was planning on applying. In a Google form that was sent out to the senior class, we found out some great information about the application process so far.
With 61.9% of Seniors saying that they haven’t applied to any schools yet, it is safe to assume that many may be skipping out on the early application process and instead focusing on the regular decision deadlines. You never know though, it wouldn’t be too surprising if most people were just planning on submitting on October 14th at 11:58!
With the average for students across the country being 8-12 schools, it makes sense that the majority of students here are applying to more than 7 schools.
With a majority of people choosing Clemson as their top choice, it definitely seems to be the more popular option out of the two in-state schools that most students end up going to. While both schools offer amazing opportunities for students, through financial aid, scholarships, and other incentives for students to stay in the state, there are still many who would prefer to go a little further from home and are applying to neither school.
When asked what other colleges students considered applying to, answers ranged from The Colorado School of Mines to Harvard. Some of the top choices were the University of Virginia, the University of Georgia, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the University of Florida. Here is some information about some of these and a few other places to consider applying if you are interested in these schools:
University of Virginia
Acceptance Rate: 19%
Average SAT: 1445
Location: Charlottesville, VA
More info: As reported by College Vine, the University of Virginia (UVA), established by Thomas Jefferson, is a public research university situated in Charlottesville, VA. UVA places significant importance on its historical origins and is proud to be one of the few universities in the U.S. designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The campus is renowned for its Jeffersonian architecture, contributing to its reputation as the most beautiful college campus in the nation. Social life at UVA is highly valued, with over 800 clubs and numerous fraternities and sororities available for students.
University of Georgia
Acceptance Rate: 37%
Average SAT: 1310
Location: Athens, GA
More info: Forbes states that the University of Georgia in Athens is one of the oldest public universities in the U.S. and serves as the flagship institution for Georgia’s higher education system. The main campus covers 762 acres and features over 400 buildings. UGA offers undergraduate degrees across 18 schools and colleges, with popular majors including finance, computer science, and psychology. The university is well-regarded academically, having produced 26 Rhodes scholars and 143 Fulbright scholars. School spirit is evident in the vibrant athletic culture, particularly through sporting events. Home to the Georgia Bulldogs, UGA competes in 19 NCAA Division I varsity teams, boasting a prestigious football program with multiple SEC championship titles. Campus traditions include ringing the chapel bell to celebrate victories, participating in the “Dawg Walk” before football games, meeting the new UGA XI English bulldog mascot, Boom, and enthusiastically supporting the Georgia Bulldogs during games.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Acceptance Rate: 17%
Average SAT: 1424
Location: Chapel Hill, NC
More info: According to the UNC System, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a prominent global public research university dedicated to preparing a diverse student body to become creators, explorers, innovators, and leaders both in North Carolina and around the world. Carolina is known for its excellent teaching, pioneering research, and commitment to public service, continuing a tradition that started when the university was chartered in 1789 and opened its doors to students four years later. As the first public university in the nation, Carolina is devoted to ensuring access to high-quality, affordable education for students from all backgrounds.
University of Florida
Acceptance Rate: 23%
Average SAT: 1382
Location: Gainesville, FL
More info: According to US News, the University of Florida is located about two miles from downtown Gainesville, a college town supported by over 50,000 students. The Florida Gators athletic teams compete in the NCAA Division I Southeastern Conference and are represented by mascots Albert and Alberta the Alligators. The Gator football team, known for playing at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium—often referred to as “The Swamp”—has a particularly notorious reputation. The Gator Growl, held during Homecoming weekend, is recognized as the largest student-run pep rally in the entire country. Approximately 15% of students are involved in the university’s 60+ fraternities and sororities. While freshmen are not required to live on campus, more than 75 percent choose to. All students can enjoy Gator Nights every Friday, which offers free late-night entertainment and snacks. The university also has strong graduate programs in the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, Warrington College of Business, Levin College of Law, and the College of Medicine. Additionally, the university partners with the retirement community Oak Hammock, providing students with opportunities for work, internships, and mentorship. Notable alumni include television personality Bob Vila, Heisman Trophy winner Steve Spurrier, and former U.S. Senators Bob Graham and Connie Mack.
Some other schools listed by students as places where they were applying were, Tulane, Boston University, Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt, NC State, Florida State University, University of Tennessee, Princeton, Yale, Harvard, University of Hawaii, and Appalachian State.
Even though this time of year is always very stressful and there is a lot of uncertainty about what schools everyone will end up at, no matter what, everyone will end up where they are meant to be. College is just a stop along the way of the journey and as Miley Cyrus said, “It’s the climb”.
