Uncertainty marked the 2007-8 admissions cycle, as many colleges grappled with large pools of applicants in a tightening economy. Even so, new admissions statistics show that last year followed the trend of the previous five, according to a report to be issued by the National Association for College Admission Counseling at its annual conference this week.

The report, “State of College Admissions 2008,” reflects what has become a “dynamic and shifting match-making process” between students applying to more colleges and colleges uncertain about which admitted students will attend, said David A. Hawkins, director of public policy and research for Nacac and editor of the report.

As the stretch of record-breaking high-school graduating classes nears its peak, much attention has been focused on the increasing competition to get into the most selective schools. But the fact remains that even during this population boom, the average college admits nearly 70 percent of its applicants. This year, 71 percent of students applied to three or more colleges, and 19 percent submitted seven or more applications.

The large number of applicants this past year did bring some change. For the first time in the six years that Nacac has published the report, there was an increase in the percentage of colleges using a wait list — 41 percent, up from about 30 percent. Even so, the odds are against wait-listed student: Only about 30 percent were admitted. It’s too soon to determine whether the uptick in wait-list use is the beginning of a trend, according to the report.

The number of graduating high-school seniors is expected to crest this year, so admissions offices will have to turn their attention to demographic shifts. In response, the report says, colleges will continue to employ “increasingly sophisticated techniques” to fill their classes with students who are a good fit for the institution. —Beckie Supiano