Select the best word for the blank in the following sentence.
There were a significant _________ of applicants to the nursing program this year.

“Amount” is used when referring to things in bulk that cannot be easily counted (paperwork, homework, oil).
Example: The amount of fur on that dog is unbelievable.
“Number” is used when referring to things that can be individually counted.
Example: The number of teeth that dog has is unbelievable.
Since “applicants” can be counted, “number” is the best answer.