Written by Brandon, Brown University

The 2024/2025 college admissions season has been a whirlwind of changes, challenges, and new trends that have reshaped the landscape for aspiring college students. As we reflect on this pivotal year, it's crucial to analyze the data, understand the shifts, and provide actionable advice for future applicants. This comprehensive review will delve into the key takeaways from the latest admissions cycle and offer guidance for students navigating the increasingly complex world of college admissions.

Surge in Applications Continues

One of the most significant trends observed in the 2024/2025 admissions cycle was the continued surge in college applications. According to the Common App, there was a substantial increase in the number of applications submitted compared to previous years. This trend, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic, has shown no signs of slowing down. The data reveals that 836,679 first-year applicants applied to 834 participating colleges through November 1, 2023, marking a staggering 41% increase compared to the 2019-20 academic year.

This surge in applications has had a ripple effect across the admissions landscape. More applications have led to increased competition for spots at top institutions, resulting in lower acceptance rates at many prestigious universities. The implications of this trend are significant for both students and institutions.

For students, this means that casting a wider net and applying to a larger number of schools has become more common. The share of students applying to more than 10 colleges increased from 8% to 17% between 2014 and 2024. This strategy, while potentially increasing chances of admission, also adds to the workload and stress of the application process.

Institutions, on the other hand, are grappling with the challenge of reviewing an unprecedented number of applications while maintaining a holistic admissions process. This has led to increased reliance on early decision and early action programs, as well as the potential implementation of AI and machine learning in the application review process.

Advice for students: Given the increased competition, it's more important than ever to craft a balanced college list that includes a mix of reach, target, and safety schools. Focus on quality over quantity in your applications, ensuring that each one is tailored and showcases your unique strengths and fit for the institution.

Shift in Application Timing and Early Admissions

The 2024/2025 cycle saw a significant shift towards early application options. More students opted for Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) programs, hoping to gain an advantage in the admissions process. This trend has been driven by the perception that applying early can increase one's chances of admission, as many top universities still admit a substantial portion of their incoming class through early admission options.

However, this shift has also led to some unexpected consequences. While early applications have surged, many selective schools are admitting fewer students in the early rounds compared to two years ago. This has created a more competitive early admissions landscape, with some students who might have been admitted in previous years being deferred to the regular decision pool.

Advice for students: If you're considering applying early, ensure that you're fully prepared to submit your strongest application by the early deadline. This means having your standardized test scores ready, your essays polished, and your academic record in top shape. However, don't feel pressured to apply early if you're not ready or if you need more time to improve your application. Remember, a strong regular decision application is better than a rushed early one.

Diversity and Access in Admissions

The 2024/2025 admissions cycle saw a continued focus on diversity and access in college admissions. The Common App reported a 67% increase in applications from underrepresented minority students compared to 2019-20. There was also growth in applications from first-generation students, those eligible for fee waivers, and students from lower-income areas.

This trend reflects ongoing efforts by colleges and universities to create more diverse and inclusive campus communities. However, it's important to note that these increases in applications don't necessarily translate to proportional increases in enrollment, and many institutions are still working to improve their diversity metrics.

Advice for students: If you're from an underrepresented background, don't hesitate to share your unique experiences and perspectives in your application. Many colleges value diversity and are looking for students who can contribute to a vibrant campus community. Take advantage of programs and resources designed to support first-generation and low-income students in the application process.

Changing Landscape of Standardized Testing

The role of standardized tests in college admissions continued to evolve in the 2024/2025 cycle. While many institutions maintained test-optional policies implemented during the pandemic, some schools began to reintroduce SAT/ACT requirements. This created a complex landscape where testing policies varied widely between institutions and even between different programs within the same university.

Additionally, changes to standardized tests themselves, such as the introduction of an optional Science section in the ACT, added another layer of complexity for students to navigate. 

Advice for students: Stay informed about the testing policies of the schools on your list, as they may change from year to year. If you have the opportunity to take standardized tests and perform well, it can still be an asset to your application, even at test-optional schools. However, if testing is not your strong suit, focus on other aspects of your application that showcase your academic abilities and potential.

Rise of AI in Admissions

The 2024/2025 admissions cycle saw an increased implementation of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the application review process. A survey conducted in fall 2023 suggested that half of admissions departments were already using AI, with 82% expected to do so by 2025.

These AI systems are being used to scan applications, transcripts, essays, and other materials for attributes that correlate with success metrics such as graduation rates, GPAs, and career outcomes. While human reviewers still make final decisions, AI assessments are increasingly influencing the admissions process.

Advice for students: While you can't control how AI might analyze your application, you can focus on presenting a coherent and authentic narrative throughout your materials. Ensure that your essays, activities list, and other components of your application align to tell a compelling story about who you are and what you'll bring to a campus community.

Increased Selectivity in Popular Majors

The 2024/2025 cycle highlighted a growing trend of increased selectivity in popular majors such as computer science, engineering, biology, business, and nursing. At many universities, these programs had significantly lower acceptance rates than the overall institution. This led to situations where students might be admitted to a university but denied entry to their desired major.

Advice for students: If you're interested in a highly competitive major, consider applying to that specific program at multiple institutions rather than assuming admission to a university guarantees access to your desired field of study. Also, be open to exploring related majors or alternative pathways to your career goals. Many universities offer ways to transfer into competitive majors after enrollment, so research these options as well.

Regional and Institutional Variations

The 2024/2025 admissions cycle highlighted significant regional and institutional variations in enrollment trends. Public and private nonprofit four-year colleges saw modest gains in enrollment, while public two-year colleges and for-profit institutions experienced more substantial increases. Additionally, some Midwestern and rural states reported larger enrollment jumps than other regions.

Advice for students: Cast a wide net in your college search, considering institutions in different regions and of different types. Don't overlook less well-known schools or those in regions you might not have initially considered, as they may offer excellent opportunities and potentially more favorable admissions odds.

Looking Ahead: The Enrollment Cliff

As we analyze the 2024/2025 admissions cycle, it's important to consider the looming "enrollment cliff" expected around 2025. Projections suggest that after reaching a peak of about 3.5 million high school graduates, the numbers will begin to decline, potentially shrinking by 15% in the following years.

This demographic shift is likely to have significant impacts on college admissions strategies. We may see increased efforts by institutions to recruit international students, develop new programs to attract non-traditional students, and potentially adjust admissions criteria and financial aid policies.

Advice for students: Stay informed about these long-term trends, but don't let them overly influence your college plans. Focus on finding institutions that are a good fit for your academic, personal, and career goals. Be open to considering a wide range of options, including schools that may be actively seeking to grow their student body in the face of demographic changes.

In conclusion…

The 2024/2025 admissions cycle has been marked by increased competition, evolving policies, and shifting demographics. As you navigate your own college admissions journey, remember that the most successful applicants are those who present authentic, well-rounded applications that showcase their unique strengths and potential contributions to a campus community. Stay informed, be strategic in your approach, and don't hesitate to seek guidance from counselors, mentors, and admissions professionals as you work towards your college goals.