What We Learned from the 2025-2026 Admissions Cycle

Every year, families ask me the same question:

"What's changing in college admissions?"

Now that the Class of 2026 admission cycle has wrapped up, several clear trends have emerged. While the process continues to evolve, one thing remains true: students who are thoughtful, proactive, and authentic continue to have the strongest outcomes.

Here are my biggest takeaways from this year's admissions cycle.

1. Selective Colleges Are Still Extremely Competitive

Application numbers remain near record highs at many colleges, particularly schools such as Northeastern, UVA, and other nationally recognized universities. As applicant pools continue to grow, admission rates remain incredibly low at many institutions.

The result? More students are applying to more schools, which means families need balanced college lists that include realistic targets and safeties—not just dream schools.

2. Early Decision Continues to Offer an Advantage

For students who have a clear first-choice college and can comfortably afford the school, Early Decision remains one of the strongest admissions strategies available. Many colleges continue to fill a substantial portion of their incoming classes through Early Decision, resulting in significantly higher admission rates compared to Regular Decision. That does not mean students should apply ED just to gain an advantage. It means they should invest time during junior year visiting colleges, attending information sessions, and determining whether a school is truly the right fit.

3. Test-Optional Is Becoming More Complicated

While many colleges remain test-optional, several highly selective institutions have returned to requiring standardized testing in recent years, and others continue to reevaluate their policies. Even at schools that remain test-optional, strong scores can still strengthen an application.

The takeaway? Students should prepare as though testing matters and then make strategic decisions about whether scores help their individual applications.

4. Demonstrated Interest Matters More Than Families Realize

One of the easiest ways students can strengthen their applications is through demonstrated interest.

Attend virtual information sessions.

Visit campuses when possible.

Open emails.

Connect with admissions representatives.

Many colleges closely track student engagement because yield rates matter. Schools want to admit students who are likely to enroll if accepted. This is why I constantly encourage my students to sign up for every virtual information session available at the schools on their list.

5. Depth Matters More Than Quantity

Admissions officers continue to prioritize students who show sustained commitment to a few meaningful interests rather than superficial involvement in dozens of activities.

Students often think they need ten clubs, multiple leadership positions, and an endless list of accomplishments.

In reality, colleges are looking for:

• Commitment

• Initiative

• Impact

• Growth

A student who has spent years pursuing a genuine passion often stands out more than someone who joined every club available.

6. Summers Have Become Increasingly Important

Summer is no longer viewed as "time off" by many admissions offices. That does not mean students need expensive pre-college programs or prestigious research opportunities. Meaningful jobs, volunteer work, independent projects, family responsibilities, internships, athletic commitments, and passion projects can all be valuable when they align with a student's interests and goals. Recent reporting shows colleges increasingly value a student's overall summer narrative and how experiences connect to their broader interests.

The key is intentionality.

7. AI Is Changing the Essay Landscape

Artificial intelligence is now part of the admissions conversation. Students are using AI tools more frequently, and colleges are aware of it. Recent research suggests widespread AI use may make essays feel more standardized and less reflective of a student's authentic voice.

My advice remains the same: Admissions officers are looking for genuine reflection, personal insight, and authentic storytelling. AI is not it.

8. Fit Matters More Than Prestige

Perhaps the most important lesson from this cycle is that there are incredible opportunities far beyond the handful of colleges that dominate headlines. Every year, I watch students thrive at schools that were not initially their "dream schools." The goal is not simply to get into the most selective college possible. The goal is to find a college where you will be challenged academically, supported personally, and excited to spend the next four years. That's what success really looks like.

Final Thoughts

The admissions process continues to evolve, but the fundamentals have not changed:

Strong academics matter.

Meaningful involvement matters.

Authenticity matters.

And most importantly, students who take ownership of their journey tend to have the best outcomes.

As you plan for the year ahead, focus less on chasing what you think colleges want and more on becoming the strongest version of yourself. The right colleges will notice.