Just this week, we analyzed data for our Application Nation families on the latest update from Common App.
The update reveals data on applicants and member colleges from December 2023 to December 2024. This is the most accurate indicator of the college admissions process and the trends that will impact the Class of 2026. It is a lesson on what every high school junior needs to be aware of as they build their college list.
While the Class of 2026 marks the beginning of a predicted 15-year decline in high school graduates, it doesn't necessarily mean the admissions process will be less competitive. Here are the three biggest factors that should dictate every student's college list this coming year:
1. Increase in the Number of Students Reporting Test Scores
Common App had a 9% increase in students reporting SAT or ACT scores on their applications. Yes, there are a handful of colleges that reinstated standardized testing for admissions this year, but not enough to explain this surge. One additional note that the data revealed is that students coming from majority backgrounds and more affluent zip codes submit their scores at higher rates.
What does this mean for the Class of 2026? There will be increased pressure on students coming from majority backgrounds (white students, Asian students, or those with college-educated parents, etc.) and communities with more resources to report test scores. Do not be fooled by test-optional colleges. Many of them are clearly favoring students with test scores, and high test scores at that. Students who do not plan to report their SAT or ACT scores need to ensure that their college list is truly balanced. Applying to a selective college or university with lower test scores or no test scores makes admission significantly more difficult.
2. Application Increases at Public Institutions Outpace Increases at Private Institutions
Public universities are swimming in applications, especially the nationally-known ones. There is an 11% application increase at public institutions compared to a 5% increase among private institutions. It doesn't mean it's easy to get into any Ivy League university, though. They all have acceptance rates around 5% or less. But those large public universities are the hottest ticket in town. If a student has a public university on their list, they need to be aware of the fact that getting admitted from out-of-state makes admission hard. And, applying to a pre-professional undergraduate program like business or engineering makes admission even harder.
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3. Most Students Apply Early Action
Common App reported a 17% increase in students applying Early Action. More students applied through this round than any other round in the past year. You will find Early Action programs at both public and private institutions. Be aware that competition in Early Action can be fierce. Yet, colleges with Early Action programs like when students apply in this early round. One of the most frustrating and complicated aspects of Early Action is that most colleges do not release their admissions decisions for Early Action until AFTER Regular Decision deadlines pass. This means that students could be waiting a long time for a decision—sometimes too long to make adjustments to their college list if they don't see acceptances. It is always a good idea to apply to some early programs that release decisions BEFORE Regular Decision deadlines hit so that you have time to adjust your list, if necessary.
READ MORE: The Top 5 Trends Impacting the Class of 2026
With Application Nation - Class of 2026 about to launch this month, I take these trends to heart. This Common App update impacts the college lists we put together for our students and the advice we give about when they should apply. There is a long list of influencers in the college admissions process. They change every year. Make sure you dig around for them and understand what they mean. If not, I am here to help.
