The headlines tell a frightening story.  Record college applications lead to record low acceptance rates.  Cite the college that rejected over 90% of those who applied. Now share the story of a student who didn't apply to any safety schools and will be staying home next fall, and the students who are worried and applying to fifteen different colleges trying to beat the daunting odds of admission. But here is the complete picture:

The reality is that of 2,251 U.S. four year colleges eligible for Title IV financial aid, and thus required to submit data to the U.S. Department of Education, only ten (10!) admitted fewer than 10% of their applicants.  Only forty eight (48) admitted fewer than 25% of their applicants.  Only 15.3% of all four year colleges admitted less than half their applicants, meaning almost 85% admitted more applicants than they rejected.

And while it is true that among the less selective colleges are many you wouldn't choose to attend, if you are willing to put some time into your college search it is very likely that you can find six to ten colleges where you would get a great education that are also very likely to offer you admission (and maybe even a discount). So don't let the headlines discourage you. In reality, there are many colleges that need you as much or more than you need them.

 SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2006–07 Integrated Postsecondary Edu­cation Data System, Fall 2006.