How Does the New Application Process for Colleges Work?

I've heard some colleges are updating their application process. Can someone explain what changes schools might be making to their applications this year that I should be aware of as a high school junior? Any advice would be super helpful!

Sure! While the specifics of changes vary school to school, you'll generally notice some trends as colleges adapt to the evolving educational and social landscapes. I'll outline some of the more commonly seen changes.

Firstly and importantly, COVID-19 has led to some changes to standardized testing policies that are quite noteworthy. Several schools, including top-tier universities such as Columbia, Princeton, and Stanford continue to be test-optional. This means applicants have the choice to submit SAT or ACT scores, or to withhold them. However, some institutions like Dartmouth, Harvard, Purdue, Brown, Yale, UT Austin, and Caltech are once again requiring standardized testing starting from the 2024-2025 application cycle.

That said, remember that the University of California and Cal State universities are test-blind and won't consider SAT or ACT scores at all. This is a significant change that might affect where you decide to apply and how you prepare your application.

Secondly, application platforms themselves are dynamically updating their layouts and functionality. The Common Application, for instance, frequently refreshes the list of participating colleges and the specific questions asked. The Coalition application, on the other hand, can have its own set of essay prompts that may be different from those on the Common App. Always double-check the application platform(s) the schools of your interest use and stay updated on any new prompts or requirements they might have.

Additionally, some schools that previously relied on these common platforms are developing their own application systems, so be aware of any changes to the application process announced by the colleges you're targeting.

Lastly, after you submit your initial application, stay alert to the possibility of schools inviting you to provide additional information. Some universities have begun requesting supplemental materials like videos or additional short essays. Furthermore, many schools offer optional (virtual) interviews. While interviews can be an additional burden, they also provide an opportunity to personally connect with someone at the school.

Above all, the biggest piece of advice I can offer is to stay informed. Regularly visit the admissions pages of the colleges you're interested in to keep track of any changes to their application processes. Good luck!