That means that 15%

of the students who apply to the school get in.

The school took in 1,800

students last year.

How many students applied?

1,800/15 * 100 = total applicants

12,000 students applied

15% of the students who apply get in ... 1800 got in ...

15% of the students applying = 1800

0.15x = 1800 ... where x is the number of those applying

x = 1800 / 0.15

x = 12,000 < = = = this is all who applied