College Admissions Trends to Be Aware of in 2025
College Admissions Trends Parents Need to Know in 2025
As your high school student embarks on the college application journey, it's crucial to stay informed about the latest trends shaping the admissions landscape. Here are three trends from this year that parents should be aware of as they begin the process.
The Rise of Application Deferrals
The early application rounds have seen a significant increase in deferrals, leaving many students in limbo until the regular decision cycle. This trend has several implications:
Some large public institutions, like the University of Southern California, deferred as many as 42,000 applications in the early rounds, opting not to deny anyone outright.
Schools overwhelmed by early applications turn to AI to screen for top candidates, admit them, and defer the rest. The University of Texas at Austin is one such example.
As a result, the regular admission cycle will see more denials due to the overflow from early rounds and the increase in applications.
What this means for your student: Encourage them to apply to a balanced list of schools and not to put all their hopes into one college. Be prepared for potential deferrals and have a strategy in place for the regular decision cycle.
The Resurgence of Standardized Testing
After taking a backseat during and immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic, test scores are making a comeback in college admissions:
This year, there's a significant increase in applicants submitting test scores, with a 9% rise compared to those not submitting scores.
Many larger public institutions are now requiring test scores, while numerous private colleges remain truly test-optional.
If your student chooses to submit test scores, they should be in the middle 50% or above for a particular school's test score range.
What this means for your student: If they're strong test-takers, submitting scores can be advantageous, especially for public universities. However, make sure the scores align with or exceed the middle 50% range for their chosen schools.
The Geographic Shift in Applications
There's a noticeable trend in where students are choosing to apply:
The Southwest and Southeast regions are experiencing a surge in applications.
Students are increasingly drawn to the "big college experience," including sports, Greek life, and warmer weather.
Texas leads with a 32% increase in applications, followed by Tennessee and Georgia with 28% and 25% growth, respectively.
What this means for your student: If they're interested in schools in these regions, be prepared for increased competition. It may come down to GPA and test scores without consideration for the activities list or essays.
In conclusion, the college admissions landscape continues to evolve, with trends in deferrals, testing, and geographic preferences shaping the process. By staying informed and adapting your approach, you can help your student navigate these changes successfully. Remember, the key is to create a balanced college list, showcase your student's strengths, and be prepared for various outcomes in this competitive environment.
