The 2025 College Admissions Season: What’s Changed—And What It Means for You

The 2024-25 college admission cycle was one of the toughest in recent history, changing the college admissions landscape yet again and raising more questions for the upcoming year. From digital test shifts to evolving policies on AI and test-optional trends, students and families are navigating an increasingly dynamic landscape. As college consultants, we have never seen a season where adaptability and strategy were more important. Here's a breakdown of the biggest updates and how they should inform your application game plan for the 2025-26 season.

1.     The New SAT and ACT Are Fully Digital—And Functionally Different

Both the SAT and ACT are now 100% digital, marking the biggest overhaul of standardized testing in decades. But this isn’t just a format update, it’s a fundamental change in how students are assessed.

• The SAT is now adaptive, meaning the difficulty of your next set of questions adjusts based on how well you did in the first section. That can significantly impact your final score.

• Time constraints are tighter. Each section is shorter, and the SAT’s reading section now features brief, bite-sized passages.

• Only the ACT still offers a paper version, and that may be phased out in the near future.

  
  

Takeaway: If your student took a practice test last year and thought, “I’m better at the ACT,” that preference may no longer apply. Students who excel at reading complex material quickly may find the SAT more manageable now. On the flip side, those who struggle with screen fatigue or time pressure need to reconsider their testing strategy before sitting for either test.

2.     The Test-Optional Era is Ending

In the wake of the pandemic, test-optional policies surged across top-tier schools. But in 2025, we’re watching the pendulum swing back.

• Schools like Harvard, Yale, MIT, Dartmouth, and Georgetown have reinstated test requirements. You can see a more complete list as of April, 2025 on our Resources page.

• Others, including selective liberal arts colleges, now strongly recommend scores—and are admitting fewer students without them.

  
  

Takeaway: The real question is no longer “Are scores optional?” It’s “What happens if we don’t submit?” Test submission is now a strategic decision, not a given. For many students, strong scores are a powerful way to stand out. But knowing when to submit and when to hold back is where expert guidance makes all the difference.

3.     2025: The Year AI Enters the Admissions Room

As generative AI tools like ChatGPT gain traction, colleges are rushing to define their boundaries.

• Some are piloting AI-detection tools.

• Others are quietly shifting their review practices, looking for signs of authentic authorship.

There’s no clear consensus yet, and that’s what makes it risky.

Takeaway: Colleges want to know your unique story in your authentic voice. Your essay shows them who your are, how you think and process new information and experiences and how you will be an asset to their school. AI can be a tool for outlining or grammar checking but it cannot write an essay that is highly personal, unique, memorable and persuasive.

4.     Admissions Strategy Is More Volatile Than Ever

From federal budget freezes to protests and demographic shifts, colleges are feeling the pressure. As a result, how they evaluate students is shifting, too.

Admissions teams are prioritizing:

• Yield protection (who’s likely to enroll)

• Major balance (filling underrepresented departments)

• Demonstrated interest (did you visit, interview, or engage?)

  
  

Takeaway: Demonstrated interest isn’t optional anymore—it’s a strategic advantage. Whether it’s a campus visit, an email to admissions, or a virtual info session, showing up matters more than ever. Especially at “match” schools that may be guarding their admit rates with new intensity.

Strategy, Not Just Strength, Wins in 2025-26

This year’s admissions process demands more than a strong profile—it requires a strategic plan. From test choices to AI usage, to understanding how schools are reshaping their priorities, every piece of the application needs intention and alignment.

If you’re applying this fall, now’s the time to reassess your testing strategy, clarify your narrative, and plan your points of engagement. The landscape may be shifting, but with the right preparation, your path can still be strong, clear, and successful.