If you felt like the 2024 – 2025 college admissions cycle was the most stressful yet—you weren’t imagining it.
This year brought soaring application numbers, fierce competition for selective majors, and a growing sense of unpredictability for students and families. But beneath the surface, there were deeper trends driving what many experts have called the most competitive and complex admissions season in recent memory.
In this post, we’re combining key insights from:
- The Common App’s March 2025 Deadline Report
- A comprehensive review of 2024–2025 results
- A powerful webinar conversation with longtime admissions dean Terry Cowdrey
Whether your family just went through the process or you’re preparing for the next cycle, this guide will help you understand what really happened—and what to expect going forward.
Record-Setting Application Volume—Again
The Common App reported a 4% increase in applicants, with more than 1.39 million students submitting 8.5 million+ applications—a 6% jump over last year.
Students now apply to an average of 6.14 colleges, up from 6.05. That may not sound like much, but across the applicant pool, it translates into tens of thousands of additional applications for competitive colleges.
“Students are casting wider nets than ever,” said Terry Cowdrey. “It’s not uncommon for strong students to apply to 15 or 20 schools. But when everyone’s aiming high, it creates more volatility across the board.”
Diversity Is Growing—And So Is Pressure
One of the most encouraging trends this year: more applications from students historically underrepresented in higher ed.
- Latinx applicants: up 13%
- Black/African American applicants: up 10%
- First-generation applicants: up 13%
- Students from low-income ZIP codes: up 8%
Colleges have been working to expand access, and it’s showing in the data. But with more students vying for the same limited number of seats—especially at selective institutions—the competition was intense.
“The increase in access is something to celebrate,” Cowdrey noted. “But it also adds to the pressure. There are more qualified applicants than ever, and not enough spaces at the most sought-after colleges.”
Early Decision Dominated the Admissions Outcomes
Many selective schools filled 50% or more of their first-year class through Early Decision (ED)—a trend that shows no signs of slowing down.
In some cases, the acceptance rate for ED applicants was more than three times that of Regular Decision.
“ED has become the golden ticket,” Cowdrey explained. “Colleges love it because it locks in yield. For students, it can absolutely improve chances—if it’s the right fit and families are financially prepared to commit.”
Still, she added an important caveat:
“Not everyone can or should apply ED. You lose the ability to compare aid offers, and families who need merit scholarships often find themselves in a tough spot.”
Competitive Majors Were Even Tougher to Crack
Business, computer science, engineering, and nursing—these programs were the most oversubscribed this year. At many schools, acceptance rates for these majors were lower than the overall admit rate, sometimes rivaling those of Ivy League institutions.
“For majors like computer science, admissions offices are looking for alignment between your interests, your coursework, and your activities,” Cowdrey said. “They want to see evidence of your passion, not just a checkbox.”
Test Scores Are Quietly Making a Comeback
Although most colleges remain test-optional, the Common App reported an 11% increase in applicants submitting SAT/ACT scores this year.
And several high-profile schools—Yale, Dartmouth, Brown, UT Austin, and others—announced they would reinstate testing requirements for future applicants.
“There’s no doubt that strong test scores are still an asset,” Cowdrey said. “Even at test-optional schools, scores help distinguish candidates, especially in large pools with grade inflation or unranked GPAs.”
Visa Chaos and the International Student Impact
International student applications also rose—but visa delays created a ripple effect that families may not have seen behind the scenes.
“Many students from countries like India couldn’t get visa appointments,” said Cowdrey. “Embassies weren’t even offering them. That meant some colleges started turning to their waitlists earlier than usual.”
And there’s a larger impact colleges are worried about: tuition revenue.
“If international students can’t enroll, that’s lost revenue,” Cowdrey noted. “Colleges may look more closely at financial fit and ability to pay—especially among domestic applicants.”
In other words: expect schools to become more sensitive to financial need, and in some cases, lean more toward students who can pay full price or close to it.
Public Colleges See a Popularity Surge
Applications to public institutions grew by 10%, far outpacing the 2% growth for private schools. In the Southwest, applications jumped a staggering 34%.
“Families are getting more savvy,” Cowdrey said. “They’re recognizing the value in public flagships, especially those with strong honors programs. It’s not just about prestige anymore—it’s about value and outcomes.”
Authenticity Mattered More Than Ever
With essays, interviews, and activities under more scrutiny, admissions teams emphasized authenticity over polish.
“You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to be intentional,” Cowdrey said. “Colleges want to see a real person. What do you care about? How have you followed through? That kind of story matters more than a list of credentials.”
She added:
“If you say you want to be an engineer, they’re looking for that thread through your classes, your summer activities, and how you spend your time. Authenticity builds trust—and trust opens doors.”
The Mental Health Toll on Students
This year’s environment also took a serious toll on students’ mental health.
- More than half reported that the college application process was the most stressful academic experience they’ve ever had.
- Families and counselors noted increased anxiety, burnout, and decision fatigue—especially during the waitlist and appeal phase.
Cowdrey emphasized the importance of context and support:
“We’ve created an environment where high schoolers feel like their future depends on a few decisions made by strangers. It’s not healthy, and it’s not true. There are thousands of great schools out there.”
Final Advice for Families Planning Ahead
The key takeaway from the 2025 cycle? You can’t control the system—but you can control your strategy.
Here’s what Terry Cowdrey recommends:
- Build a balanced list that includes a mix of reach, target, and likely schools—and truly like all of them.
- Apply Early Decision only if you’re 100% sure on fit and finances.
- Submit strong test scores if you have them.
- Lean into your strengths—don’t fake interest in a trendy major if it doesn’t fit.
- Stay grounded. The most selective colleges reject thousands of qualified students every year. That’s not a reflection of your worth.
“Admissions is not a reward system. It’s a sorting process,” Cowdrey concluded. “What matters most is finding the right environment to grow, learn, and thrive.”
Looking for More Help?
Stay tuned for our upcoming webinars, where experts like Terry Cowdrey break down these trends even further and help families build smart, confident college plans.
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