Lessons We’ve Learned from This Year’s Admissions Season
Every application season teaches us something new, and even though decisions haven’t been released yet, we’ve already seen clear trends taking shape. Many of these patterns have been developing over the past few years, but they continue to evolve in ways that impact how students approach the process.
Here are some key lessons we’ve learned so far this year. (Once decisions are out, we’ll share even more insights!)
How is the overall process changing?
The trends we’ve seen over the past few years are continuing and intensifying.
Testing policies, essay requirements, and timelines are all moving targets.
Majors like business, computer science, and nursing are more competitive than ever.
The process often feels longer: students apply early, get deferred, sometimes waitlisted, and many often wait until spring for final decisions.
Students are also applying to more colleges–a response to the growing unpredictability of admissions outcomes.
What’s happening with testing requirements?
Test policies remain in flux and details matter.
Some colleges have reinstated testing requirements, while others remain test optional.
Strong scores can still be a plus, particularly for competitive majors or merit scholarships.
Most colleges no longer require the ACT Science section, and some won’t even consider it if submitted.
Colleges differ in how they want to receive test scores: some allow self-reported scores, while others require official reports sent directly from the testing company.
Because policies can shift each year, students should always confirm testing rules directly on each school’s website.
Were there any surprises during the application process?
Yes. Some colleges continue to add new components and hidden requirements.
“Stealth” essays appeared only after a student selected a major or answered certain questions.
New short-answer questions, video introductions, and portfolio submissions became more common.
Fewer schools are releasing rolling decisions, meaning results are coming later in the year.
Starting early helps uncover surprises and ensures there’s enough time to complete new components thoughtfully and with quality.
How are admissions officers responding to AI-written essays?
They can tell when a student’s authentic voice is missing.
Admissions readers report that they quickly notice when essays are overly polished or impersonal.
They look for genuine reflection, personal stories, and a clear student voice.
Essays that sound like a student, not like a machine, remain the strongest.
What other trends are influencing outcomes?
Selectivity is increasing, and the definition of a “safety school” is fading.
More schools are emphasizing holistic review and enrolling fewer students based solely on academics.
True “likely” or “safety” schools are becoming harder to find.
More families are chasing merit aid, yet the average amount of merit awarded seems to be shrinking.
Building a balanced, thoughtful college list with realistic academic and financial options is more important than ever.
This year’s application season reminded us that college admissions never stand still. While many of these patterns aren’t new, they’re continuing and often accelerating. From shifting test requirements to new video introductions, longer timelines, and more selective majors, the process demands flexibility, awareness, and authenticity.