Foreign Student Applications Plummet as Visa Rules Tighten

The number of foreign students applying to US colleges has dropped by 10% this fall, according to a recent report from Common App. The decline is the largest one-year drop in foreign applicants since 2013, and it's attributed to stricter visa policies under the Trump administration. Rodney Hughes, senior data scientist at Common App, points out that visa rules have become more restrictive, making it harder for students to change majors or transfer schools.

The decline in international interest is not uniform across regions, however. Applications from Asia and Africa fell by double digits, while European applicants dropped 4%. In contrast, American students are showing increased interest, with US applicants rising 4% this year.

The report also highlights a shift in the demographics of college-bound students. The number of high schoolers who sent in test scores rose 11%, and the University of California system is reconsidering its decision to waive test scores for admissions.