Recent college admissions trends

I'm curious to know what the most recent trends are in college admissions. What are colleges focusing on now compared to a few years ago? Does anyone have any insight or advice on adapting to these changes?

Colleges have always been focused on finding well-qualified students who can contribute to their community and excel academically. However, there have been some noticeable shifts in college admissions trends over the last few years. Here are a few notable changes and some advice on how to adapt:

1. Test-optional and test-blind policies: Many colleges, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, have adopted test-optional or test-blind policies. Test-optional means that you can choose whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores, while test-blind means that colleges do not consider standardized test scores at all. To adapt, focus on other aspects of your application, such as your GPA, course rigor, extracurricular involvement, and essays, to ensure you demonstrate your strengths and interests.

2. Holistic admissions: Colleges are increasingly focused on the holistic admissions process, which means they consider your application as a whole rather than just on grades and test scores. The focus is shifting more towards what you can bring to the campus community through your extracurriculars, community service, and demonstrated leadership. To adapt, focus on building a well-rounded application that shows the unique contributions you can make in and out of the classroom.

3. Emphasis on authenticity: Admissions officers are placing more emphasis on authentic and personal experiences in the application, especially in essays. Avoid clichéd topics and make sure your personal statement truly reflects your voice and experiences. To adapt, reflect on your unique story and find a way to express that in your application materials, whether through your essays, extracurricular descriptions, or letters of recommendation.

4. Demonstrated interest: Some colleges are putting more weight on demonstrated interest, which refers to the actions a student takes to show their genuine interest in attending a particular school. This can include campus visits, attending information sessions, or interacting with admissions representatives. To adapt, research the schools you're interested in and engage with them in various ways to show your genuine commitment and enthusiasm for the institution.

5. Diversity and Inclusion: Colleges are increasingly focusing on fostering diverse and inclusive communities. While affirmative action based on race was struck down by the Supreme Court in June 2023, colleges can still consider how race may have impacted a student as an individual. To adapt, think about the unique perspective you bring to the table in terms of your background, experiences, and identity, and make sure to highlight these aspects in your essays and application materials.

6. The importance of mental health: Colleges have become more aware of the importance of mental health and student wellbeing. They expect applicants to demonstrate resilience, self-awareness, and a balanced approach to their lives. To adapt, consider finding ways to emphasize how you've maintained a healthy balance in your life, addressed challenges effectively, and practiced self-care throughout high school.

In summary, focus on creating an authentic, well-rounded, and balanced application highlighting your unique story. Engage with the schools you're interested in and be mindful of how current trends can influence the admissions process.