Trends for Class of 2026

More colleges are requiring standardized tests - but mainly the highly selective or southern schools (FL, GA, TX).  Colleges admit to liking to see test scores, but know that they receive more applications if they are test optional.  84% of colleges do not require test scores. 

1. Students want public schools in the South - combined with a growing backlash for the Ivies.  Public schools are less expensive, have a lot of school spirit, and more fun activities for the students.

2. Smaller percentages of male students are applying to college - so it will make it easier for them to get admitted.  This is especially true for certain liberal arts majors.  Exceptions:  Computer Science, Engineering, Business, and Economics

3. Colleges and students are wrestling with AI - both students and colleges are using AI, so its best to embrace it.  I would love to see colleges use AI to reduce the size of the application and steps for the students (use AI to read the transcript so the student doesn’t have to enter each class into the application.  

4. Continued high volume of "deferrals" from colleges with big numbers of EA applicants. Why?  The number of students applying EA is up 17% from last year and because of the volume, colleges can’t review them all and are waiting to see the students applying Regular Decision (RD) in January or February.

   
   

   The college admissions world is constantly changing, so stay tuned for more updates!