College admissions isn’t a static target; it’s a rapidly evolving beast, and colleges are constantly adapting their strategies. Why? Well, a few big things are shaking up the landscape:

• Test-Optional Policies (and their surprising evolution): What started as a pandemic-era necessity has become a complex debate. While many schools have gone test-optional, some highly selective institutions are now bringing tests back, having found that scores can still be strong predictors of academic success. This shift creates a dynamic where submitting strong test scores, even if optional, might give you an edge at many schools.
• Landmark Supreme Court Decisions: Recent rulings have fundamentally changed how colleges can consider race in admissions. This means universities are reevaluating their policies and seeking new ways to build diverse classes while staying within legal bounds.
• An Avalanche of Applications: Thanks in part to simplified application processes (like the Common App) and test-optional policies, colleges are drowning in applications. This surge makes the admissions process even more competitive, especially at selective schools, and forces universities to rethink how they manage their applicant pools.

University administrators are playing strategic chess to hit their enrollment goals—that is, ensuring they fill their classes with the right mix of students. They’re making these big moves in response to these external pressures.

For you, the prospective student, being clued into these trends and understanding the power of early admissions programs puts you leagues ahead. We know sifting through all the numbers and data can feel overwhelming, but a little knowledge goes a long way.

Feeling lost in the maze? Don’t worry, you don’t have to navigate it alone. 

Debbie Goldstein College Consulting is here to help.