It’s no secret that this year’s college admissions season felt especially intense and there’s actually a reason behind the madness. The Class of 2025, made up of students born in 2007, is one of the largest graduating classes in recent history. That year saw a noticeable spike in births across the United States, and it’s now catching up to us in the form of ultra-competitive college admissions.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were approximately 4.32 million births in the U.S. in 2007. This is the highest number of births seen since 1961. This “mini baby boom” meant more students entering kindergarten in 2012 and now, 13 years later, more students applying to college in 2024.
More applicants means fewer spots to go around. Many top colleges saw record-breaking application numbers this year. For example, UCLA reported over 170,000 applications for Fall 2024 admission, a number that continues to grow each year. With so many students going for the same limited number of spots, acceptance rates at competitive schools hit new lows. Even schools that used to be considered “safe” or “target” schools have become increasingly selective.
At Los Osos High School, students in the Class of 2025 are definitely feeling the pressure.
When asked how the admissions season went, senior Ahmad Amer replied, “I’m thankful for my results, however, it’s not entirely what I was hoping for”. Additionally, many students, including senior Jessica Zaki felt that this year was more selective; “I don’t think it was necessarily more competitive, but I think colleges have redirected their focus on what applicants they’re looking for. I think a lot of overqualified students didn’t get into the schools that they deserved. I think a lot of students fit every box, and yet, so many of us weren’t accepted.”
The emotional toll of this year’s admissions season has been tough for many. Rejections and waitlists from schools that were once considered “safe” choices have become common. Some students who spent years building strong resumes with great grades, test scores, and extracurriculars still found themselves shut out of their top choices.
It’s not just about numbers, either. Colleges are also shifting how they make decisions. Many schools have gone test-optional, so things like essays, recommendation letters, and extracurricular activities carry even more weight than they used to. This change can feel frustrating, especially when applicants aren’t sure what exactly made the difference in their results.
Despite the disappointment, students are also showing resilience. They’re exploring community colleges, transfer programs, gap years, and out-of-the-box pathways to success. The road might be harder than expected, but it’s not a dead end.
This year has served as a reminder that college admissions aren’t always predictable or fair. The system is changing, and sometimes, it feels like students are paying the price for trends that started before they were even born. But what matters most isn’t where someone starts, it’s where they go from here.