Class of 2025: Admissions Trends 📈

As another college admissions season wraps up, I want to share my insights regarding the Class of 2025. Every year, the admissions landscape changes - and this year was no different.

Here are the Top 5 Takeaways from this year's admissions cycle:

1. SEC is Still HOT 🔥

Flagship state universities, especially in the Southeast, remained incredibly popular this year — and significantly more competitive (Georgia Tech, University of Colorado–Boulder, and University of Tennessee saw further drips in their admit rates). It’s no longer enough to simply be a “good student” to earn admission to these schools. Colleges are seeking students who bring standout extracurriculars, demonstrated leadership, and meaningful community service.

2. Ivy League is OUT 👎

A notable trend this year: less obsession with the Ivy League and ultra-selective schools. A lot has been written about students who were accepted to top institutions like Columbia and UPenn, who then declined their offers in favor of less selective schools. Why? Rising costs, a shift in values around undergraduate experience, greater emphasis on return-on-investment (ROI), and, for some, concerns over campus climate. Importantly, this shift was happening even before the recent wave of campus protests — a reflection of longer-term changes in what students and families prioritize.

3. Testing is BACK 📝

Standardized testing (SAT and ACT) — which became optional at many schools during the pandemic — is firmly making a comeback. Many universities have reinstated testing requirements and, starting with the Class of 2026, places like Ohio State will mandate test scores again. Meanwhile, both the SAT and ACT have undergone recent format changes, making it even more critical for students to develop a strategic testing plan early.

4. ROI is KEY💵

The rising cost of college — particularly at elite institutions — is forcing families to be savvier consumers. Next year, NYU’s total cost of attendance is anticipated to top $97,000 next year; Duke’s will rise to $92,000  — and these are schools that typically offer little to no merit aid (you are either “full need” or “full pay” at these colleges). Families are now asking harder questions about value — and putting greater emphasis on career services, post-graduate outcomes, and overall ROI when selecting a college.

5. Financial Aid amounts DECLINED 💸

One surprise this year was the sharp decline in merit scholarships at traditionally generous schools like the University of Alabama. As a school’s popularity grows and its admit rate drops, its need to offer large merit awards diminishes. This trend reinforces the importance of building a college list that includes financial "safeties" where students are likely to be awarded scholarships based on academic credentials.

These changes in the admissions landscape may seem overwhelming — but they don’t have to be roadblocks. With thoughtful, strategic planning beginning early in high school, students can still craft strong applications and build balanced college lists that yield multiple great options.

This year, my students from the Class of 2025 applied to an average of 9 schools each, earned 6 acceptances per student, and nearly all secured meaningful scholarship awards. My 28 students submitted a total of 255 applications to 68 unique colleges and universities. They earned 180 acceptances – an impressive 71% acceptance rate! Even better: 96% of students earned scholarship offers, averaging $13,287 per year. Over four years, this translates to a total scholarship value of $3.8 million awarded across the class!

If you’d like help navigating the college admissions process for your student, I would love to support you. Please reach out - spots still remaining for the Class of 2028!

– Jen