What are common issues in the college admission process?

I've heard there can be some downsides to the college admission process. What problems should I be prepared for, especially during the 2025 admissions cycle?

The college admission process indeed has its complexities, and understanding these can help you better navigate your journey. Here are a few issues that high school students commonly face:

1. Increased competitiveness: Depending on the schools you're targeting, well-qualified candidates might face stiff competition due to record numbers of applications, especially among highly selective schools. This has been exacerbated by changes to the application process, such as the move by some schools to test-optional policies.

2. Standardized testing changes: The College Board switched to a fully digital SAT in Spring 2024, which may require you to adjust your preparation strategy. Similarly, the ACT will be undergoing numerous changes in 2025. The digital nature of these tests and the format changes might pose challenges to some students.

3. Understanding test-blind policies: Several schools, including all CSUs and UCs, have moved to test-blind admissions for the 2024-2025 application cycle. This means these schools do not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.

4. Technical issues with online applications: Problems with online systems, like the Common App, might arise, such as difficulties in uploading documents or glitches that prevent submission. It's essential to submit applications well in advance of deadlines to avoid the stress of dealing with technical issues at the last minute.

5. Affording application fees: While many universities have application fee waivers, the costs of applying to multiple schools can add up quickly.

6. Financial aid complexities: Understanding the differences between need-based and merit-based aid, loans versus grants, or interpreting your Student Aid Index (SAI) from the FAFSA can all be challenging. This can be especially true when applying to universities that offer Early Decision, where you should first make sure you're financially comfortable with the school.

7. Accurately demonstrating interest: While most elite colleges do not weigh demonstrated interest, some other schools do. However, they navigate demonstrating interest can be a challenge for students, especially as college tours and visits have become more difficult with the pandemic's disruption.

These are some of the common issues you might encounter during the college admission process. However, being aware of potential pitfalls and planning accordingly can significantly ease your journey. Good luck!