We don’t have a crystal ball, but we do have data. Are you curious about the future of college admissions trends in 2025 and beyond? Then join us to explore the key college admissions trends for this year, including acceptance rates, testing policies, AI in admissions, and more. With the right knowledge, you can stay ahead in the application process!
You don’t need to have extrasensory perception to pick up on the fact that getting into college is hard right now. In recent years, college admissions have become increasingly competitive, with evolving trends shaping how students apply and how institutions evaluate applicants. As the 2025 admissions cycle unfolds, several key factors are influencing acceptance rates and the broader college application process.
Seeking answers? In this article, we’ll break down the most significant trends affecting college admissions in 2025 and what they mean for students.
College Acceptance Rates 2025
First, let’s take a look at the data. What are the acceptance rates for college this year? And what can that information tell us?
The college admissions landscape for recent years has been notably competitive across the board. Acceptance rates for the Class of 2026 are still being finalized, but preliminary reports indicate continued competitiveness across top institutions. Early data shows that Harvard, MIT, and Stanford remain below 4%, while public universities like UCLA and UC Berkeley continue to see historically low acceptance rates due to surging applications.
These incredibly low acceptance rates are just a selection that highlights the increasing competitiveness of college admissions, with many top institutions admitting a smaller percentage of applicants compared to previous years. Prospective students are advised to consider these trends when preparing their applications.
Emerging Admissions Trends: 2026 and Beyond
While acceptance information for the high school class of 2025 is still flowing in, certain trends are already appearing.
1. More Students, More Applications, More Competition
With an increasing number of students applying to college, competition has reached new heights. The Common Application reports a continued surge in total applications submitted, as students hedge their bets by applying to more schools than ever before. As a matter of fact, the 2024-2025 application cycle saw a 4% increase in the number of applicants and a 6% rise in total applications submitted compared to the previous year. It’s not all that unusual, either; on average, students applied to 6.1 institutions each, up from previous years.
The rise in applicants has been especially notable among Latinx (10% increase) and Black or African American (13% increase). Additionally, first-generation applicants increased by 13%, and low-income applicants grew at a faster rate.
This trend has led to declining acceptance rates at many top institutions, reinforcing the importance of strong applications, strategic school selection, and compelling personal statements.
2. The Rise of the “New Ivies”: Public Colleges Surge in Popularity
While the Ivy League schools remain desirable, highly selective public universities—especially in the South—are attracting more applicants than ever before. Schools such as the University of Florida, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Texas A&M have seen a surge in applications, partly due to their strong academic reputations and lower tuition costs compared to private universities. The University of Texas at Austin received over 90,000 applications for fall 2025, marking a 24% increase from the prior year. This surge includes a 48% rise in out-of-state applicants!
Factors such as lower tuition costs, warmer climates, and robust academic programs contribute to this growing interest. This shift is reshaping college rankings and student decision-making, giving rise to the so-called “New Ivies.”
3. Test-Optional No More? Colleges Reinstate Testing Policies
In the wake of the pandemic, many colleges temporarily adopted test-optional policies. However, 2025 is witnessing a reversal of this trend, with a growing number of institutions reinstating SAT and ACT requirements. Universities such as Brown, Dartmouth, and Harvard required SAT or ACT scores for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle.
Some schools cite concerns about grade inflation and a desire for additional metrics to evaluate applicants fairly. As a result, even at test-optional schools, more students are opting to submit test scores in an effort to strengthen their applications. The Common App reported that the number of applicants not reporting any test scores has decreased by 1%, while the number of applicants reporting test scores has increased by 11% in 2024-2025.
Our advice? Students should plan to take the SAT and/or ACT at least once by the fall of their junior year; you can decide what to do with your score from there. Some colleges may weigh standardized tests more heavily for certain applicants, such as international students or those from schools with grade inflation concerns. Check the policies of your specific target schools, as this will provide the most current guidance for each application.
4. Early Applications Skyrocket, but So Do Deferrals
Applying early has long been seen as a strategic advantage, but this year, early decision and early action applications have reached record highs. For example, Duke University admitted 849 students through early decision out of 6,627 applicants, resulting in a 12.8% acceptance rate—the highest number of early applications in its history. Consequently, many institutions are deferring a larger proportion of applicants to the regular decision pool, extending the admissions timeline for numerous students. This means students should be prepared for a longer admissions timeline and have a strong backup plan in place.
5. Financial Struggles: College Mergers and Closures on the Rise
Financial challenges are forcing some colleges to make difficult decisions. Institutions with declining enrollment and budget shortfalls are merging with larger universities or, in some cases, closing their doors entirely. This trend underscores the importance of researching a school’s financial stability before committing to enrollment.
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to your education plan. With rising tuition costs and changing student preferences, hybrid and online degrees are becoming more mainstream at top universities. Hybrid learning may provide a more affordable alternative for those concerned about repaying large student loans. More universities (like Georgia Tech and UIUC) may develop hybrid degrees, blending in-person and online coursework to expand access to higher education.
6. AI in College Admissions: A Growing Influence
Artificial intelligence is playing a larger role in college admissions, from AI-driven application screening to chatbots assisting students with the application process. While some schools embrace AI for efficiency, others raise concerns about biases and transparency in decision-making.
As these tools are likely here to stay, this is what you need to know. Firstly, be sure to prioritize originality in your essays, as AI tools can flag generic or overly polished writing. Secondly, AI may place more weight on quantitative data like GPA and course rigor, reinforcing the importance of strong academics. All students should stay informed about how your target schools use AI in admissions.
7. The Video Introduction: A New Application Component?
Some colleges including Brown, University of Chicago and Washington University St. Louis, have introduced a new element to applications—the video introduction. This allows students to showcase their personality, communication skills, and interests in a way that essays and transcripts cannot fully capture. While not yet widespread, this trend may become a common component in future application cycles.
Here’s what students should know right away:
- A compelling video introduction should be authentic, engaging, and concise (usually 90 seconds or less).
- Colleges use videos to assess communication skills, confidence, and personality, qualities that can be hard to capture in writing.
- Students should prepare for on-the-spot video questions, similar to those used in business school applications.
While not yet mandatory at most schools, students applying to competitive programs should consider submitting a video introduction to make their application stand out.
8. Commitment to Diversity: Evolving Admissions Policies
Diversity and inclusion remain at the forefront of college admissions. Following the Supreme Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, which impacted affirmative action policies, universities are reassessing their diversity initiatives and adapting their policies in response to legal challenges and shifting societal expectations. Many institutions are placing a greater emphasis on socioeconomic background, first-generation status, and holistic review processes to ensure diverse student bodies.
Conclusion: What This Means for Applicants
The 2025 college admissions cycle presents a complex and competitive environment. Prospective students should stay informed about these evolving trends, tailor their application strategies accordingly, and consider a broad range of institutions to enhance their chances of acceptance.
Key Strategies for Applicants in 2025:
- Stay informed about changing test policies—and submit scores where they add value.
- Leverage AI tools wisely—but ensure your essays remain authentic and personal.
- Consider submitting a video introduction—it could set you apart!
- Research the financial stability of colleges you are considering—closures and mergers are increasing.
- Explore hybrid and online degree programs—flexibility and affordability are growing.
With these insights, students can refine their application strategies and maximize their chances in an increasingly competitive admissions environment.
For personalized guidance through the college application process, consider scheduling a consultation with our expert counselors at Empowerly. Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate these trends and achieve your educational goals. Contact us today to take the next step toward your academic future!
