Trends That Could Shape Your College Admissions Strategy
There is one theme that keeps coming up when we speak to prospective families: families are overwhelmed, and the college process feels more confusing than ever.
From skyrocketing application numbers to shifting priorities around cost and test scores, students are navigating a system that’s evolving in real time.
Here are five trends (according to Sara Harberson) shaping college admissions in 2025, and what you can do about them:
1. Southern Schools Are Booming...and More Competitive Than Ever
Once seen as “safeties,” Southern universities like Auburn, Clemson, and UGA are now seeing record-breaking application numbers. Auburn’s acceptance rate dropped from 85% in 2020 to just 39% in 2024. Families from the Northeast and Midwest are applying in droves, drawn by strong academics, warmer weather, and big-school spirit.
What to do: If you’re considering these schools, get strategic. Look into alternate start dates (like Clemson’s summer start) or satellite campuses. These options can improve your odds.
2. Business Majors Are the New “Pre-Med”
Everyone wants to major in business right now. Programs like Wharton, NYU Stern, Ross (Michigan), and McCombs (UT Austin) are seeing record-low admit rates.
What to do: You need more than just good grades. Business-bound students should have calculus on their transcript and activities that align with entrepreneurship, finance, or leadership. Not there yet? Liberal arts programs can be a smarter entry point, and often have higher admit rates.
3. Female Bio Majors...Time to Stand OUT
Life sciences and pre-med tracks are heavily saturated with female-identifying applicants. That makes it harder to stand out, especially when most applicants are shadowing doctors or volunteering in hospitals.
What to do: Choose an unexpected path. Become a Junior EMT, analyze local water pollutants, or work as a hospital scribe. Self-driven, hands-on experiences stand out far more on a resume.
4. Test-Optional ≠ Test-Irrelevant
Let’s be honest: test-optional is not always a level playing field. In our work with students, we’ve seen clear data, strong test scores still improve admissions odds, especially at selective colleges like Vanderbilt, Emory, Tufts, and Northwestern.
What to do: If you’re applying test-optional without a standout "hook"(recruited athlete, legacy, first-gen, etc.), make sure your transcript, essays, and activities are bulletproof. Also explore test-optional colleges that have long supported holistic admissions, like Bates or Wake Forest.
5. Families Are Re-Prioritizing Affordability (And They Should Be)
Some colleges are now topping $100,000 a year. And public schools aren’t always cheap, University of Michigan cost out-of-state students over $80K last year.
What to do: Run the Net Price Calculator for every school on your list. Look into merit-based aid (even at public flagships), and don’t rule out honors programs. Many students we work with turn down Ivy-League or Top 20 offers for generous packages at schools where they’ll thrive, and graduate debt-free.
At CollegeConsulting.us, we make sure students and families don’t just keep up with admissions trends, they stay ahead. Schedule a call with our team today.
Best of luck,
Melina Kazanas
P.S. - Have a high-performing high schooler w/ a 3.7 GPA or higher? We'll help get them into at least one of their top 5 dream colleges...and if we don't get them into at least one of their top 5 dream colleges, you don't pay us a penny. Seriously. College admissions isn't rocket science...but it is a science. And we've cracked the code...year, after year, after year. You can learn more about our world renowned all-inclusive, start-to-finish college coaching here and to see if your family qualifies for an introductory call.
P.P.S - Our most common question is "When should we start?!" The answer is, if you truly care about giving your high schooler the best chance of college planning success, you should start NOW. 9th grade is not too early to start! 10th grade is certainly not too early to start! And 11th grade is far, far too late! (supporting data here to show just how much of an advantage you give your child by starting the process early).
