5/1/2013
The number of college applicants reporting “high” or “very high” levels of stress remains at 69% in 2012, the same percentage as in 2011, according to the Princeton Review. Likewise, applicants’ reasoning when choosing schools to apply to remains relatively similar to last year’s concerns. Nearly nine in 10 (87%) expect a college degree to cost more than $50,000, and 89% say financial aid will be “very necessary,” both similar to responses in 2011.
Students have altered their biggest concern when it comes to college. This year, their biggest worry is over the level of debt they will incur. Previously, their chief concern was whether they wouldn’t have sufficient funds to attend their first-choice college.
The main benefits of college, according to students, are the potential for a better job or income (51%), exposure to new ideas (25%), and educational opportunities (24%).
Stanford and Harvard are the two top “dream” colleges for both parents and students for the fourth year in a row. Parents list Princeton as their third favorite, while students prefer Columbia University.
Students and parents still differ on distance; 52% of parents hope their child’s college is located no more than 250 miles from them. The largest number of students (61%) prefer colleges more than 250 miles away.
SOURCE: Princeton Review, Harriet Brand, Communications, 2315 Broadway, New York, NY 10024; 212-874-8282, x1091; www.princetonreview.com.
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