College Admissions Trends: What You Need to Know
Each admissions cycle brings new challenges, shifting priorities, and policy changes that impact students’ college applications. We closely follow these evolving trends to give families an insider view of what’s happening across U.S. colleges and universities.
So, what can students and parents expect in the 2025 admissions cycle? Below, we break down major developments shaping college admissions — from the rise of test-optional policies to increasing competitiveness at top universities and the growing impact of politics on student decision-making.
1. The Continued Rise/Complexity of Test-Optional Policies
The biggest question on many families' minds: Do SAT and ACT scores still matter? For most students, the answer remains YES — but how much they matter depends on where you’re applying, and, in some cases, whether you are seeking merit-based aid.
Key Predictions:
90%+ of private colleges will remain test-optional, with more rolling out permanent policies.
A small but growing number of public schools, especially in the South & Midwest, will return to test-required.
Test-blind admissions will continue at a handful of schools, mostly in California and the Northeast.
The recent Supreme Court decision on race in admissions may accelerate test-optional policies as colleges shift to alternative diversity strategies.
Average test scores will continue to rise as only the highest-scoring students submit their results. At the most selective schools, the top 25th percentile of admitted students could reach scores of 1550+ (SAT) and 35+ (ACT).
Some states (like Florida) may require test scores for state-funded scholarships, regardless of test-optional policies.
What This Means for You:
📌 If you have a strong test score, submitting it can boost your chances of admission, AND ensure consideration for merit-based aid at certain institutions that require it for scholarships.
📌 At selective schools, the test-optional pool is highly competitive—without scores, your GPA, essays, and extracurriculars must be outstanding.
📌 Dig deep into research, when possible, to learn what percentage of students are either admitted or enrolled without scores at the colleges on your list. This will help you understand if an institution actually favors applications with submitted scores. If the percentage of applications with submitted scores starts to fall below 50%, think critically about your next move.
2. Growing Competitiveness at Top Colleges
While most colleges still accept more students than they reject, the top 100-200 schools are becoming increasingly difficult to get into.
Key Predictions:
Acceptance rates will continue to decline at the most selective colleges due to expanding applicant pools.
Schools in the SEC (Southeastern Conference) will see rising applications, making admission more competitive there as well — especially for “out-of-state” or “non-resident” students.
Schools that gain national sports recognition (e.g., TCU after the CFP National Championship, SDSU and FAU after the Final Four) will see an increase in applications.
Direct-admit programs for high-demand majors like Computer Science, Engineering, Business, and Psychology will be harder to get into.
Highly selective BS/MD, nursing, and performing arts programs will become even more competitive.
How to Stand Out:
📌 Apply early to increase your chances at rolling admissions schools.
📌 Consider alternative pathways and majors that will help you achieve a similar career goal. Like Marketing? That will typically fall under the Business School, which could be a more competitive program. Consider instead Advertising, which ordinarily is offered within the Arts & Sciences department. Really, really want to pursue something business-related? Consider a Bachelors of Arts in Economics, which typically falls under the Arts & Sciences department as well.
📌 Demonstrate strong academic rigor (AP, Honors, Dual Enrollment), especially in STEM and business-related fields, when possible.
3. The Changing Role of Essays in Admissions
As test-optional policies expand, application essays carry more weight than ever. However, students should be aware of new trends in how colleges assess essays.
Key Predictions:
More schools might require graded writing samples from humanities classes (e.g., English or history).
Colleges will increasingly use AI detection software to flag essays written with ChatGPT or other AI tools.
Best Practices:
📌 Start brainstorming and drafting in 11th Grade, so you can write your Personal Statement at an easy, calm pace with ample opportunity for reflection. Also, seek editorial feedback from a real person, not AI!
📌 Save a strong graded essay from a humanities class in case a college requests one.
📌 Make your essays deeply personal, focusing on unique experiences or perspectives, vulnerability, and authentic storytelling. Ask yourself the question, “Could the next essay an admissions officer reads after mine potentially have a strikingly similar story?” If the answer is potentially YES, this calls into question whether your essay topic or narrative angle actually shares anything new.
4. The Rising Cost of College & Institutional Changes
The cost of college is climbing higher than ever, forcing families to rethink their approach to paying for school. At the same time, economic pressures are causing major shifts in higher education.
Key Predictions:
Total cost of attendance (COA) at some private colleges might exceed $90,000 per year for the first time.
More small colleges will merge, close, or be bought out. While 2025 will see some closures, expect a wave of shutdowns in the next 5 years.
Some states will quietly shutter smaller regional campuses due to declining enrollment.
More community colleges will close as enrollment continues to decline.
What Families Should Do:
📌 Prioritize merit aid opportunities (test scores can help!)
📌 Have financial safety schools on your list in case costs rise unexpectedly.
📌 Watch for institutional changes—if a college is struggling financially, consider how that might impact your experience.
5. The Growing Role of Politics in College Admissions
In an increasingly polarized climate, politics is playing a larger role in where students apply—and where they enroll.
Key Predictions:
Political leanings of states are influencing student decision-making on both sides of the spectrum.
Faculty turnover will accelerate, especially in STEM fields, as political battles over curriculum and tenure intensify.
Accreditation conflicts may arise as some states explore forming alternative accreditation organizations.
What This Means for Students:
📌 Be aware of how political factors might affect curriculum, faculty, or campus culture at the choices on your college list.
📌 If you’re considering out-of-state colleges, research tuition reciprocity programs that could help lower costs.
📌 Expect some academic fields to be more affected than others—STEM faculty have the most job mobility and may relocate if political tensions rise.
6. Standardized Testing Format Changes
Students in the class of 2024 largely avoided disruptions from the new Digital SAT, but for the class of 2025, there are still uncertainties.
Key Predictions:
The Digital SAT is now fully implemented, and while early feedback has been positive, some schools may still be adjusting to score interpretation.
The new ACT “enhancements” will be implemented in April 2025. The new version will offer the Science section as optional. Previous ACT tests completed with the Science section will continue to be included within the STEM score, regardless of whether Science is included in subsequent test attempts. Admissions experts are unsure how this Science optionality will affect admissions reviews this coming cycle, so we will stay tuned.
How Students Should Prepare:
📌 Get familiar with the new SAT format — if you’re unsure, take a mock test to see if it’s right for you.
📌 Consider taking both SAT and ACT practice tests to determine which one is truly your best fit. You do not need to stress yourself by taking both tests multiple times!
📌 Plan testing early — completing SAT/ACT by June or July of junior year is ideal so that you can begin pressing “submit” on your applications in August.
Are you in need of application assistance? How about help with college selection, essay writing or admissions interview prep? Let us know!
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