How Can the College Application Process Be Improved?

I've heard a lot of complaints about the college application process being stressful and confusing. What changes could be made to make it better for students? Are there any discussions about reforming it?

The college application process indeed can be quite stressful for many students. Here are some potential improvements that could make the process more manageable and straightforward for students:

1. Streamlining Applications: Many students apply to numerous colleges, and the task of filling out multiple applications can be daunting. If schools could adopt a unified, common application, it would reduce the amount of repetitive information students have to input, and reduce the cognitive load of managing multiple different applications and their requirements.

2. Mixed Media Applications: Not everyone’s qualities and achievements shine through on paper. Allowing for a more diverse range of application materials, such as video essays, portfolio work, or project demonstrations, can provide colleges with a better-rounded view of an applicant's abilities and potential.

3. Reducing Emphasis on Standardized Testing: The overemphasis on SAT and ACT scores puts students who cannot afford test prep at a disadvantage and may not reflect a student's complete academic and personal profile. While these test scores can provide a benchmark, relying too much on them can exclude students who may excel in classroom settings but do not test well.

4. Increased Transparency: Colleges could improve their communication about what they are looking for in an applicant. Often, students are left guessing what will make their application stand out. More concrete information about what colleges value can help students present their strengths effectively.

5. Genuine Support: Expanding access to college counseling services for all high school students can truly make a difference in navigating this process. Careful guidance would not only alleviate a lot of a student's anxiety but also help them in making informed decisions.

While there are ongoing debates about reforming the college application process, actual change is slow. Colleges have autonomy over their admissions process, and it may require significant consensus and coordination to achieve widespread systematic change. However, the pandemic indeed accelerated some shifts in the process, like test-optional policies. It remains to be seen how these changes will evolve in the long run.