10 Changes to the 2025 College Admissions Landscape
Don't panic - the majority of school accept more students than they deny!
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Build a balanced college list with a mix of probably, realistic and wildcard schools - is the key to staying sane during the application results season.
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Don’t underestimate public institutions, including out-of-state schools.
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Research application caps and admit rates for your target schools.
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Only apply ED if your student is 100% sure about the school—and the financial fit.
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Run the college’s Net Price Calculator before applying to get an estimate your family's anticipated cost of attendance.
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If cost is a concern, consider Early Action (non-binding) instead.
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Students with strong applications may find better merit aid offers at colleges eager to enroll qualified applicants.
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Be cautious with financially unstable schools—research their enrollment, endowment, and budget trends.
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Be aware of how these trends could affect institutional funding and services at schools that you are considering.
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If your student is open to studying abroad, now might be a great time to explore international universities.
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Declines in international and domestic enrollment
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Reduced state funding
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Higher operating costs
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Mergers and closures of small colleges
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Faculty layoffs and increased class sizes
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Cuts to niche academic programs and graduate degrees
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A pivot toward career-focused majors
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Ask about program stability when touring colleges or talking to admissions.
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Look up schools’ financial health using resources like the Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
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Stay updated on deadline extensions—you may still have time to apply to target schools.
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Treat extensions as second chances, not afterthoughts—submit strong, polished applications.
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Some colleges require SAT/ACT scores again.
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The majority of schools remain test-optional.
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Even at test-optional schools, more applicants are submitting scores to stand out.
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Submit strong scores if they’re above the school’s median.
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Double-check each college’s testing policies for both admission and scholarships.
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Consider taking the SAT/ACT even if it's not required—especially if you're targeting competitive programs.
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Screen transcripts
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Summarize recommendation letters
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Flag student achievements
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Spot potential application red flags
Some are even using AI to read essays
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Make your achievements clear and easy to spot—especially in your resume and activities list.
Use strong, descriptive words in your activities list and essays.
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Attending virtual info sessions
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Visiting campus
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Opening emails from admissions
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Following up with questions or thank-you notes
Emailing questions to admission reps
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Interact meaningfully with schools that you love.
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Follow colleges on social media, and register for virtual tours or Q&A sessions.
Don't use a "one and done" approach when showing DI - continue to show your interest over a few months.
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Look beyond sticker price—calculate net price using each school’s estimator.
Prioritize schools that offer strong aid and merit scholarships.
Consider public honors programs—these offer private college experiences, many times at a smaller price tage
Explore smaller private colleges with generous merit aid.
For many families, the 2025 college admissions season feels more overwhelming than ever. With rising tuition, evolving application policies, and growing uncertainty around enrollment, it’s hard to know where to focus—or how to give your student an edge.
College consultants are seeing firsthand how this year’s trends are affecting students and shaping admissions decisions. Here’s what you need to know—and what you can do to stay ahead.
🔥 1. Applications Increase = Competition Heats Up
Applications continue to rise. More students are applying to more schools, fueled by the flexibility of test-optional policies and fears of not being admitted anywhere.
Public universities in the South and West are seeing some of the biggest surges, thanks to their affordability, warmer climates, and strong academics. At the same time, some states are capping out-of-state admissions at public schools—tightening competition even further.
Meanwhile, a few highly selective colleges saw slight drops in applications after reinstating standardized test requirements, but even "safety" schools are becoming more selective.
💡 What to Do:
📊 2. Early Decision Is Powerful—But Risky
Colleges are leaning harder on Early Decision (ED) to shape their incoming classes. ED helps schools lock in enrollment early, which means less reliance on waitlists and more predictability for them.
For students, ED can increase your chances at competitive schools—but it comes with a binding commitment and limited ability to compare financial aid offers.
💡 What to Do:
👩🎓 3. Shrinking Applicant Pool = Long-Term Impact
The “demographic cliff” is officially here. Due to declining birth rates after the 2008 recession, there are simply fewer high school graduates. Other factors are also impacting college admissions numbers. In 2023, only 62% enrolled in college, and interest in trade programs has jumped 20% since 2020.
This enrollment dip is pushing many colleges—especially smaller private ones—to rethink how they operate.
💡 What to Do:
🌍 4. International Enrollment Drops & College Abroad Options Shift Applications
International applications to U.S. colleges declined in 2025 due to ongoing political uncertainty and safety concerns. At the same time, more U.S. students are looking abroad for their entire undergraduate experience. International schools are captializing on this trend by trying to recruit high-achieving students that would normally attend a US college. International colleges are not impacted by the changes in research funding that are US schools are facing.
This shift matters: many U.S. colleges rely on international students—who typically pay full tuition—to stabilize their budgets.
💡 What to Do:
✂️ 5. College Closures and Program Cuts Are Rising
Financial pressures are hitting colleges hard. Causes include:
As a result, we’re seeing:
💡 What to Do:
🕒 6. More Flexible Deadlines Offer Later Options
Application deadline extensions are becoming common, particularly at large systems like the California State Universities (CSUs). Many schools have extended deadlines into July this year in hopes to boost application numbers and support students dealing with tech issues, natural disasters, or poor planning.
💡 What to Do:
📝 7. Standardized Testing: Optional for Most, Required by a Few
The testing landscape remains inconsistent:
Complicating matters: some schools are test-optional for admissions, but require scores for merit aid or honors programs.
💡 What to Do:
🤖 8. AI Is Changing the Admissions Process
Artificial intelligence is increasingly used to streamline admissions behind the scenes. Colleges are using AI tools to:
While final decisions are still made by humans, AI helps admissions offices process growing applicant pools more efficiently.
💡 What to Do:
📈 9. Demonstrated Interest Could Influence Admissions—and Aid
Colleges are putting more weight on demonstrated interest (DI)—the ways students show they’re genuinely excited about attending.
This might include:
In some cases, it may even factor into merit aid decisions.
💡 What to Do:
💰 10. Sticker Prices Are Surging—Wellesley Tops $100K/Year
In a historic milestone, Wellesley College became the first U.S. college to cross the $100,000 per year mark for total cost of attendance. As more colleges follow suit, families are becoming increasingly focused on value, ROI, and financial aid.
💡 What to Do:
📌 Final Thoughts: Strategy Wins in an Uncertain Year
The 2025 admissions cycle is full of challenges—but also opportunities. With careful planning, research, and smart decision-making, students can find schools that fit their academic, personal, and financial goals.