The field of college admissions is always evolving and changing. This year is no exception. Outside of the drama and myths, there are patterns worth paying attention to.
This is a look at trends I’ve been tracking this admissions cycle and what they might mean for your student. My goal: to give you a clear picture of where things stand, and what steps we can take to move forward with confidence.
What has definitively not changed: When students explore their interests and values early, talk about them, and try them out, they gain confidence, motivation, and direction. This clarity helps them find colleges where they’ll not only be admitted—but truly thrive.
1. Academic Challenge Still Sets the Foundation
The students who were admitted to “reach” schools this year chose increasingly rigorous coursework each year of high school and made informed, intentional choices aligned with their goals and areas of academic interest.
Trends:
- A strong foundation in core subjects still matters and colleges reward students who show they are not afraid of challenge.
- Colleges review each application in the context of what’s available at each student’s school; in essence, students are compared to other students applying from the same high school.
- Coursework that matches a student’s intended major adds strength to their academic profile. Ex: Calculus is desired/expected for competitive business, engineering, and other STEM applicants.
- More students are submitting academic records with a 4.0 unweighted GPA and they can’t all be admitted to the impacted, or most applied to UC campuses.
Action Steps:
Review course plans for both challenge and purpose; talk to teachers and other students while deeply considering course selections. If advanced classes aren’t available at school or don’t fit into the schedule, students can consider community college enrollment over summer or online options that match your student’s interests.
Intellectual curiosity outside of the regular school day, and even outside of the classroom, is a great way for students to explore what questions they have and what answers they might like to pursue.
2. Standardized Testing: Re-Emerging with Nuance
More students submitted SAT or ACT scores this year, and strong results gave applications an added boost. While many colleges are still officially “test optional,” competitive entry colleges trended toward an increase in the number admitted with scores as compared with the recent post COVID years.
Trends:
- High test scores helped validate academic strength. Due to grade inflation, colleges seek objective measures of student achievement. EX: University of Michigan is officially “test optional,” but to be competitive from a well-resourced California high school, a student is more likely to be rewarded with admission with SAT or ACT with scores at the middle 50% or higher of admitted student scores.
- UPenn, MIT, Brown and other highly selective colleges have returned to requiring scores.
- Scores in the middle 50% of admitted students are especially useful in math-heavy majors or competitive programs.
- A strong test score alone is not going to get a student in, but it can be a tipping factor alongside an already strong application.
Action Step:
Test takers must commit to and be diligent about following a rigorous study plan.
Those who opt for a test optional path, should do so only after taking a practice test and starting with some study to determine the best path forward. A final decision about going test optional is about the trade offs – what other meaningful work or activity might a student invest their time and energy into? Be intentional when making decisions about how to spend time.
3. Early Applications: Strategic, Not Just Early
Applying Early Decision or Early Action can offer an advantage — but it’s not automatic.
Trends:
- Acceptance rates were higher in some early pools.
- Many colleges deferred large portions of early applicants (ex. USC deferred everyone that was not admitted in the EA round. And, now for Fall 2026 applicants, USC has announced Early Decision options for business or accounting majors).
- Strong alignment between student and school mattered.
Action Step:
Plan to apply early; commit to the summer college essay writing schedule set to complete strong drafts of 5 essays before school starts. Early writing begets better writing. It takes time to think about what’s important to tell. Materials should be ready by early fall to take advantage of early application options.
We’ll also make a plan if a deferral or waitlist happens — including how and when to follow up.
4. Applying to a Major: Not Just a Box to Check
More colleges are reviewing students by their intended major, and they want to see signs of interest and initiative.
Trends:
- Competitive majors often had lower admit rates than the colleges themselves (ex. Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Psychology, Biological Sciences, Nursing).
- Depth of engagement in a field added strength.
- Independent exploration (like projects or self-study) showed initiative.
- Real-world connections — even simple ones — show applicants willing to take risks.
Action Step:
Your student doesn’t need to be “sure” — but if they have a direction, it’s important to explore ways to show it. Summer plans, projects, or academic choices demonstrate curiosity and follow-through. Colleges are looking to enroll students who have actively pursued and uncovered their interests. (aka. “dedication, not dabbling”)
Participate in clubs, organizations, internships, research that align with a field of interest/major and can be thread together to show initiative and impact while building the skills and confidence to take risks when new opportunities arise in college.
No need to wait for a summer program to start — a curious student can start anytime. Whether it’s a summer job or a passion project, small steps can create a big impact.
5. Activities with Commitment & Depth Stand Out
It’s not about doing the most — it’s about doing what matters. Students who stayed focused and engaged over time have compelling stories to tell about challenges they faced and problems they solved. They get to know themselves, how to work with others, and demonstrate ways that they will show up on their future college campus.
Trends:
- Deep, sustained involvement stood out more than long lists; colleges can see a student who is genuine about contributing their unique skills and insights.
- Leadership is shown through initiative a student takes to make a notable impact in their community, not just by holding a title.
Action Step:
Encourage your student to keep going with what they care about — or explore something new that aligns with their values. Authenticity is a strong “hook.”
6. Essays and Recommendations: Where the Story Comes Alive
Essays that reflected on personal growth over time — not just achievements — resonated. Authentic is a word used often to describe these essays and admissions folks feel they get to really know these students through their writing.
Recommendation letters are also a valued reference point that offer detailed insight into a student’s learning style and motivations.
Trends:
- Vulnerability, reflection, and storytelling mattered.
- Use of AI to draft college essays is already getting old; it lacks the authenticity the reader is looking for. Admissions readers know what ChatGPT sounds like — real student voices are more compelling.
- Specific, personal letters added meaningful dimension
Action Step:
Start collecting reflections or moments from the past year through notes on activities and journal writing — they often turn into great essays. And, build relationships over time with school counselors and at least a few key teachers so recommenders are able to write vivid, student-centered letters.
7. Institutional Priorities: The Hidden Factor
Sometimes admissions decisions aren’t about the student — they’re about the college’s goals. Things like gender balance, enrollment in specific majors, or geographic diversity quietly shape who is admitted.
Trends:
- Institutional priorities vary from school to school.
- Understanding what a college values helps to determine what colleges are a good fit and match; these are mission driven institutions, not to mention, businesses.
- Public flagship campuses have seen increased applications and continue to be committed to serving in-state students first; out-of-state student admit rates are often much lower than the published admit rate, especially in the most impacted majors.
Action Step:
Go beyond the websites. Read mission statements and attend information sessions to help understand each college’s current focus and how a student’s story might align, or not. Be able to articulate clearly why a school is a good fit. This helps in building a thoughtful, balanced list of colleges where the student can thrive.
Final Takeaway: It’s the Mindset That Matters Most
There is no one path — and no perfect formula. Students who are curious, committed, and intentional are able to put their focus on the things that matter to them and show that they are open to being challenged and make the most of the opportunities. That’s why I seek to promote the joy of discovery and the sense of accomplishment that comes with risk taking, collaborating with others, and making impactful contributions.
This period of transitioning from being high schoolers to adults is about more than college applications. It’s about helping each student build a life that reflects who they are and what they care about.
We’re in this together — and I’m here to guide each step with calm, clarity, and care.
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