The Admissions Landscape Is Changing—Again
If you’re the parent of a high school junior, you might be wondering: What’s happening in college admissions right now? With each cycle, trends shift—affecting everything from acceptance rates to what colleges prioritize in applicants.
The 2024-2025 admissions cycle has continued to reflect record-breaking application numbers, shifting test policies, and increasing competition for certain majors and schools. Understanding these trends can help your student make smart choices, focus their efforts, and stand out in an ever-evolving admissions process.
Here’s what you need to know.
1. More Applications, but Fewer Students Applying
For the past several years, the number of total applications submitted has risen sharply, but interestingly, the number of students applying to college has slightly declined.
- The Common Application reported an increase in the total number of applications submitted per student. In 2024, students applied to an average of 6-10 colleges, compared to 4-6 just a decade ago.
- Fewer students are attending college overall—primarily due to demographic shifts and concerns about the cost and value of a degree. However, this hasn’t made getting into competitive schools any easier.
- Many colleges are expanding their applicant pools by actively recruiting students from different regions, socioeconomic backgrounds, and even internationally.
What This Means for Your Student:
✅ Applying to more schools is now the norm—students should build a well-balanced college list with reach, match, and safety schools.
✅ Colleges are casting a wider net, so demonstrating genuine interest in schools (through visits, information sessions, and interactions with admissions reps) can help applicants stand out.
2. The Rise of Certain Colleges & Regions
While top-tier schools like the Ivy League and Stanford remain ultra-competitive, other schools have surged in popularity due to strong academic programs, affordability, location, and even the success of their athletic programs.
Growing in Popularity:
📍 Large public universities (e.g., University of Florida, University of Wisconsin, University of Georgia) are seeing more applicants due to strong reputations, research opportunities, and lower in-state tuition.
📍 STEM-focused schools (e.g., Purdue, Georgia Tech, Northeastern) are attracting students interested in engineering, computer science, and AI-driven careers.
📍 Midsize private universities (e.g., Boston University, Tulane, Case Western) are benefiting from students who want the resources of a research institution but with a more personal feel.
📍 West Coast and Southern schools (e.g., UC schools, Texas A&M, Clemson) are growing in popularity as students seek warmer climates and strong job markets.
📍 Colleges with powerhouse athletic programs—particularly in the SEC, Big Ten, and ACC—have seen a rise in applications, fueled by increased national visibility, school spirit, and a strong sense of community. Schools like University of Georgia, University of Alabama, and LSU—where football culture dominates—have experienced application surges, as have basketball powerhouses like Duke and the University of North Carolina.
For many students, successful athletic programs enhance school pride, alumni engagement, and overall campus experience, making these universities even more appealing—especially as NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals attract top athletes and increase media attention.
3. The Most Popular and Hardest Majors to Get Into
Certain majors are experiencing skyrocketing demand, leading to increased competition for limited spots.
Most Popular Majors Right Now:
📊 Business & Finance – Driven by job stability and earnings potential.
💻 Computer Science & AI – The demand for tech talent has made this a top choice.
🧬 Biological Sciences & Pre-Med – Medical careers remain highly desirable.
🎥 Film & Media Studies – Streaming and digital content creation have fueled interest.
Hardest Majors to Get Into:
Some colleges admit students by major, and competitive programs can have much lower acceptance rates than the school overall. The most selective include:
🔹 Computer Science & Engineering – Acceptance rates can be below 10% at top STEM schools.
🔹 Business (at selective schools like Penn’s Wharton, NYU Stern, Michigan Ross) – Admission is tougher than for general arts & sciences.
🔹 Nursing – Limited clinical spots make programs highly competitive.
🔹 Architecture & Film – Portfolio requirements add an extra hurdle.
What This Means for Your Student:
✅ Applying to a highly competitive major? Consider applying undecided or to a related major at some schools, where transferring in later might be easier.
✅ If a major is in high demand, strong extracurricular involvement in the field (internships, personal projects, research) can set an applicant apart.
4. The Shift in Standardized Testing Policies
Test-optional policies remain widespread, but test scores still play a big role in admissions.
- The University of California system remains test-blind, meaning SAT/ACT scores are not considered at all.
- Some schools that went test-optional during the pandemic (e.g., MIT, Georgetown) have reinstated test requirements.
- Several state university systems have also brought back mandatory testing, most notably in Florida, where all public universities—including the University of Florida, Florida State University, and University of Central Florida—now require SAT or ACT scores for admission. Other states, such as Georgia, have also reinstated testing requirements at some public institutions.
- At test-optional schools, students with strong scores still have an advantage. Submitting competitive scores can help offset weaker GPAs or extracurriculars.
What This Means for Your Student:
✅ If test scores are strong, submit them! They can provide a meaningful boost, even at test-optional schools.
✅ If scores are weak, focus on strengthening other parts of the application—essays, recommendations, and activities matter more than ever.
✅ If applying to Florida public universities or other schools requiring test scores, plan early for SAT/ACT testing to meet state requirements.
5. What Colleges Are Looking for in 2025
Beyond grades and test scores, colleges are increasingly prioritizing:
🌟 Authenticity – Students who are genuine in their applications stand out. Forced or over-edited essays don’t resonate.
🌍 Community Engagement & Impact – Volunteering, leadership, and real-world impact carry weight.
💡 Intellectual Curiosity – Colleges want students who show a love for learning outside the classroom (research, passion projects, competitions).
🎯 Resilience & Adaptability – Admissions officers value students who demonstrate personal growth and perseverance.
What This Means for Your Student:
✅ Encourage them to pursue activities they truly enjoy—passion shines through in applications.
✅ Focus on impact over quantity—a few deeply meaningful activities are better than a long, unfocused list.
Final Thoughts: How to Use This Information to Your Advantage
The Class of 2026 is facing a competitive but navigable admissions landscape. To stay ahead, consider these key takeaways:
1️⃣ Build a balanced college list that includes reach, match, and safety schools.
2️⃣ Encourage meaningful engagement—depth in extracurriculars matters more than ever.
3️⃣ Prepare for standardized testing strategically—strong scores can still give an edge.
4️⃣ Explore multiple paths to competitive majors—direct admission isn’t always necessary.
5️⃣ Start the process early—rushed applications rarely lead to the best outcomes.
Need Help Making Sense of It All?
With so many changes in college admissions, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But you don’t have to navigate this process alone.
With a wealth of experience in admissions counseling, I help families make informed, strategic decisions—so students can apply with confidence and end up at a college where they’ll thrive.
📩 If you want expert guidance in building a strong application strategy, reach out today. Let’s make a plan that works for your student!
