College Admissions News & Trends

Former President Donald Trump is pushing for colleges and universities to release detailed admissions data, including demographics, test scores, and GPA. The proposed directive aims to enforce compliance with the 2023 Supreme Court ruling that prohibited the consideration of race in admissions.

Why It Matters: This could dramatically increase transparency in admissions practices and expose whether institutions are using indirect racial proxies — such as “lived experience” or diversity essays — to influence decisions.
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A federal lawsuit filed in Massachusetts accuses 32 elite universities of colluding to use Early Decision (ED) to limit students’ ability to compare financial aid offers — allegedly keeping tuition and costs artificially high.

Why It Matters: If successful, the case could reshape or eliminate binding early admissions policies, making the process more equitable, especially for students who need to compare financial aid packages.
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The University of California system admitted a historic 100,947 California freshmen for fall 2025 — a 7.4% increase over 2024.

However, its most selective campuses (e.g., Berkeley, UCLA) offered fewer in-state admits, underscoring an increasing divide within the UC system.

Why It Matters: This shift shows how public systems are expanding access, but selective institutions remain Bottlenecks — reinforcing the importance of strategic, realistic college lists.
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Columbia University’s application numbers for the class of 2029 fell modestly (from ~60,248 to ~59,616).

The dip comes on the heels of pro-Palestinian protests, administrative backlash, and political scrutiny — factors that appear to be influencing some admitted students’ decisions to reconsider enrollment.

Why It Matters: External political and social climates can directly impact application trends, and students are increasingly weighing institutional values and campus climate when applying.
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Tennessee’s Higher Education Commission has rolled out a new initiative guaranteeing automatic admissions for high school seniors to 53 state colleges, paired with personalized financial aid support.

Why It Matters: This signals a growing shift toward removing barriers to college access for low- and middle-income students — and could inspire other states to adopt similar models.

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A new Spark Admissions study reveals that many flagship public universities are becoming more selective, with application volumes skyrocketing and acceptance rates plunging.

For example, out-of-state acceptance rates at certain public institutions are now approaching those of elite private colleges.

Why It Matters: The idea of public universities as “safety” schools is fading; students need to rethink what constitutes reach, target, and safety in their lists.
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Common App data shows a 5–7% jump in first-year applicants for the 2024–25 cycle.

• Growth was especially strong among underrepresented minorities, low-income students, and first-generation college applicants.

Why It Matters: Rising volume increases competition across the board. With more students applying — especially to multiple schools — having a strong, differentiated narrative is more important than ever.

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A recent analysis of admissions trends highlights five critical developments — including escalating student anxiety, reinstitution of testing requirements, and more aggressive early application strategies.
Why It Matters: The pressure of applying continues to grow. Students and families must manage not just “where to apply,” but also “how to apply” with strategy, resilience, and a realistic timeline.

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