The college admissions process is evolving faster than ever, with the pendulum moving back towards test-required admissions. Concurrently, the dynamics of early admission are changing, likely as a result of changes in testing policies. Here are four trends impacting the Class of 2026 and how to stay ahead.
Early Trends Are Shifting In College Admissions
Early admissions programs, including Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA), remain a powerful tool for colleges to shape their incoming classes. Brown University reinstated standardized testing requirements and saw a higher early decision acceptance rate with a smaller applicant pool.
Early Decision continues to favor applicants who have thoroughly prepared, with stronger academic records and well-crafted applications. For instance, Dartmouth College admitted 26% of its class through ED this year, reinforcing the notion that applying early can give students a significant edge.
Meanwhile, test-optional schools like Northwestern experienced increases in early applications, underscoring the role of flexible testing policies in attracting students.
What You Can Do:
Start visiting colleges to get a sense of campus culture, academic programs, and student life. Early visits allow students to refine their preferences and make more informed decisions about where to apply early.
Encourage your student to network with professors, alumni, and current students at their top-choice schools. These conversations can offer insights into the college’s culture and help your student articulate a strong “why us” narrative in their application.
Research how each college handles financial aid for early applicants. While many schools pledge to meet 100% of demonstrated need, families should carefully review financial aid calculators and speak with admissions offices to avoid surprises.
Applying ED is a binding commitment, so it’s essential to ensure that your student’s top-choice school is a perfect fit academically, socially, and financially. If there’s uncertainty, consider Early Action, which is non-binding and still offers the advantage of earlier decisions.
Early applicants must put their best foot forward, as they’ll be compared to a highly motivated and competitive pool. Focus on creating a compelling narrative that integrates your student’s academic achievements, extracurriculars, and personal values.
If applying ED isn’t the right choice, focus on preparing a polished application for the regular decision cycle while using the extra time to strengthen essays, gather recommendations, and finalize supplemental materials.
Standardized Testing Requirements Make A Comeback And Advantage Applicants Who Test Well
After years of test-optional policies, many elite colleges are reinstating SAT and ACT requirements. This has significantly impacted application numbers and acceptance rates. In addition to the decrease at Brown, Yale also saw a decrease of 14% in early applications following its decision to reintroduce standardized testing. Dartmouth College reported that 95% of its early admits scored above the 75th percentile on standardized tests, highlighting the importance of these scores in admissions.
What You Can Do
Encourage your student to begin preparing for standardized tests well in advance. Familiarity with test formats, question types, and timing can significantly improve performance. Consider creating a testing timeline that aligns with your student’s academic and extracurricular commitments to avoid last-minute cramming.
While both the SAT and ACT are widely accepted, each test has unique features. For example, the ACT includes a science reasoning section, while the SAT places greater emphasis on vocabulary. Help your student take diagnostic tests to determine which exam better suits their strengths.
Explore a variety of test prep options based on your student’s learning style and budget. Free resources like Khan Academy offer personalized SAT practice plans, while private tutoring or test prep courses can provide intensive, tailored instruction. Self-paced online programs are also an excellent option for independent learners.
Focus on the areas where your student can achieve the most improvement. For instance, mastering high-frequency question types or improving timing on sections can yield significant score gains. Encourage regular practice tests under timed conditions to build confidence and endurance.
Research each college’s testing requirements and policies. Even at test-optional schools, strong scores can strengthen an application. Aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of a college’s admitted student profile to maximize competitiveness.
If your student’s initial scores don’t meet their goals, consider retaking the test. Many colleges superscore, combining the best section scores from multiple attempts. Use the first test as a baseline and target specific areas for improvement in subsequent attempts.
Academics Remain The Cornerstone Of College Admissions
Academic performance remains the most significant factor in college admissions decisions, as it is a reliable predictor of a student’s ability to succeed in higher education. Colleges seek students who excel in rigorous coursework, including Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), honors classes, and dual-enrollment programs. These courses not only demonstrate intellectual curiosity but also highlight a student’s ability to handle the demands of a college curriculum.
In addition to challenging coursework, colleges value intellectual vitality—an intrinsic passion for learning that manifests through independent projects, academic competitions, and research. A student who explores subjects beyond the classroom signals a readiness to engage with the collaborative and inquiry-driven environment of college academics.
Colleges also look for depth in academic pursuits. Students who demonstrate sustained interest and excellence in a single area—whether STEM, humanities, or the arts—are more likely to stand out in a competitive applicant pool. This aligns with admissions officers’ desire to build diverse, well-rounded classes that include students with distinct talents and intellectual passions.
What You Can Do
Support your student in enrolling in AP, IB, honors, or dual-enrollment classes. These courses demonstrate academic rigor and prepare students for the challenges of higher education. Collaborate with school counselors to select courses that align with your student’s strengths and interests while maintaining balance to prevent burnout.
Encourage your student to expand their intellectual vitality through self-directed projects, such as conducting scientific experiments, writing a research paper, or creating a digital portfolio. These activities demonstrate initiative, problem-solving skills, and intellectual curiosity—all traits colleges value highly.
Guide your student in seeking research opportunities through local universities, online programs, or community organizations. Many colleges offer high school outreach initiatives where students can engage in hands-on research under faculty mentorship. Participation in research not only deepens subject matter expertise but also builds transferable skills like critical thinking and data analysis.
Encourage your student to leverage extracurricular activities by participating in academic competitions, such as Science Olympiad, Debate Club, or Mathletes, which offer opportunities to showcase knowledge and skills in competitive settings. Additionally, engaging in internships, hackathons, or coding boot camps can provide real-world applications of their interests.
Help your student reflect on their academic journey in their college essays. Admissions officers value stories of growth and resilience, such as overcoming challenges in a difficult subject or pursuing an unconventional academic interest. These narratives offer insight into a student’s character and potential.
Explore College Alternatives
According to Jeff Selingo’s analysis of National Student Clearinghouse data, college enrollment among students from the top two income quintiles has declined significantly. Many families are prioritizing financial stability over the prestige of a brand-name college, questioning whether the investment in a traditional college education is always the right choice. For these students, alternatives such as gap years, apprenticeships, or entrepreneurial ventures provide opportunities for self-discovery and skill-building without the burden of student debt.
Many students arrive at college—or the workplace—ill-prepared for real-world responsibilities. Focus on helping your teen develop executive function skills like time management, organization, and goal setting. These foundational skills are critical for navigating life, regardless of whether they choose college or another pathway.
Alternatives to college often provide opportunities for hands-on learning and real-world application. Encourage your student to explore internships, apprenticeships, or research projects in fields they are passionate about. Programs like coding boot camps or culinary arts courses offer specialized training that can lead to direct employment opportunities.
What You Can Do
Help your student channel their creativity into independent projects, such as starting a small business, launching a nonprofit, or building an app. These endeavors not only teach critical thinking and problem-solving but also showcase initiative and innovation—qualities valued in any career.
In addition, a well-structured gap year can give students the chance to gain clarity about their interests while building life skills. Many programs offer a mix of service, travel, and professional development, allowing students to grow personally and professionally before deciding on their next steps.
Finally, connecting with mentors or industry professionals can help your student explore potential career paths and build relationships in their chosen field. Mentoring programs, LinkedIn outreach, and professional meetups are all excellent ways to expand their network.
The Class of 2026 faces a college admissions landscape that is more competitive and complex than ever. Staying informed and proactive can help students and families navigate these challenges effectively. With careful planning and an emphasis on authenticity, every student can find a path that aligns with their goals and aspirations.