College application trends

 

At College Inside Track, we regularly track emerging college application trends, and there are a few that we believe all students and their families should consider when compiling their final college list.

 

Test Optional

Fact: Test Optional policies continue to be in flux.   Some schools are truly test optional; some are test blind or test free (test scores are not considered even if submitted); some are test-optional for admissions but not for merit aid

Fact: More schools are returning to requiring test scores

Fact: Higher % of students are accepted with test scores than without, especially at highly selective schools. 

Fact: Generally, there is an advantage if you send strong test scores to the school in question. Fewer students applying to the Ivy League and Ivy-like institutions received offers without ACT or SAT scores than last year. 

Fact: Some schools assume that providing no test score means a lower score.

Advice: Providing test scores should be done on a school-by-school basis.

Advice: Work with your CIT consultant to determine your test reporting strategy.

Advice: Students should plan on taking the ACT or SAT.

Advice: Students should start early by taking a diagnostic ACT or SAT.

Advice: Consider test prep. CIT can help you find the right fit.

Advice: Plan on taking the test more than once and completing it by August/September/October to take advantage of early admissions.

 

Selectivity 

Fact: The Most Selective Schools (the top 50 public/private schools according to US News and/or similar sources) will be even more selective in 2026. Acceptance rates at most of these schools are between 10-20% or lower.

Fact: The Ivy-Plus (includes the Ivies plus MIT, Stanford, Univ. of Chicago and Duke 

• Collectively received 175,000 applications in 2002
• In 2025, they collectively received more than 590,000, with only a few thousand more available spots 
• The Ivy-Plus acceptance rate is now less than 5%

Fact:  Perfect grades and test scores are no longer sufficient at institutions that are receiving more applications than ever before. Applicants must submit a compelling application that aligns with the institution’s priorities.

Fact: Some “target” schools, defined as probable in terms of admissions, are now considered “reach” or “wildcards” even for students with stellar academic records and high test scores.

Fact: Certain majors, such as business, engineering, and computer science, are more selective than others and at certain schools will require compelling applications over and above grades and test scores.  

Advice: Include at least two probable and two likely schools on the final list.  Be open to schools you may not have heard of.

Advice: Encourage your student to “fall in love” with the probables and likelies as much as the reaches and wildcards. 

Advice: Be realistic and confirm the balance of the final list.  Nobody wants to dash the dreams of a college applicant, but a list heavy with reach and/or wildcard schools may result in even more disappointment later in the application cycle.

Advice: Applicants are encouraged to follow Admissions blogs and/or pages of their favorite schools and understand the institutional priorities of these favorites. 

Advice:  How do your extracurriculars illustrate/reinforce/align with your passions? Your CIT Consultant can help you tell your story.

Advice: Consider student research and/or passion projects as opportunities to strengthen the application. CIT also has an add-on package in this area.

 

Early Decision

Fact: The difference between Early Decision (ED) and Regular Decision (RD) at the Ivies and near Ivies isn’t as great as in the next tiers of schools.

Fact: Many highly selective, near Ivies and “top 50” schools fill 45-60+% of their freshman class with Early Decision applicants!!!

Fact: At some schools, your chances are better as an RD candidate than ED2

Advice: Be strategic; don’t waste ED on schools where it is primarily reserved for athletes, legacies, and large donors.

Advice: Students should identify their top 3-5 schools.

Advice: If one of these schools is a near Ivy or “top 50” school, then explore the real interest and the likelihood of attending based on academic, social, and financial fit. 

Advice: If the likelihood of attending is high, consider applying ED to one.  Note that you can only apply ED to one school at a time, and the school can impose other restrictions. 

Advice: Have an ED2 school identified just in case your ED was not successful.

Advice: Don’t apply ED/ED2/REA(another variation of ED) unless you are excited about attending if accepted, and it fits financially.

Advice: Work with your CIT Consultant to devise a plan and to understand the rules of the game.

 

State Flagship Admissions & Southern Migration

Fact:  Admissions are getting more competitive for out-of-state students

Fact: Applications to southern flagships are on the rise and acceptances are shrinking. Think Clemson, Univ. of GA, Univ. of VA, Univ. of MD, University of TN, UT Austin, Univ of SC, Univ of FL, UNC Chapel Hill

Fact:  Some majors are more competitive, e.g., business, computer science, and engineering

Fact: Students with higher GPA’s, rigor, and test scores fare better.

Advice: Look beyond the “sweatshirt” flagships. Consider lesser-known Midwest, East Coast and mid-Atlantic state schools or other campuses in popular states.

Advice: Don’t assume you can transfer into a competitive major, especially business or engineering, if you applied undecided or in another major.

Advice: The weather might be nicer, but consider whether the school is a good social fit and financial fit (you pay a premium to attend an out-of-state flagship).

 

Extracurricular, an intentional application, and Demonstrated Interest are becoming more important

Fact: Greater emphasis on essays, letters of recommendation, interviews, and “lived experience” to evaluate character, resilience, initiative, and service.

Fact:  Mid-sized privates and regionals (e.g., American, Tulane, SMU) increasingly tracked engagement (visits, emails, virtual events)

Advice: Start early, consider a project, and work with CIT to write strong essays

Advice: Attend local and high school college visit events, open and click through emails, and visit virtually and in person, if possible. 

 

International Students or the lack thereof 

Fact: Things are up in the air, and colleges may change admissions policies

Advice: Stay tuned