Navigating an Increasingly Competitive Landscape

What 2025 Admissions Results Reveal—and What Families Should Do Now

📈 TAKEAWAY #1

Application Inflation Isn’t Slowing Down

The Class of 2025 submitted over 8 million college applications through the Common App—a 6% increase from last year. NYU has seen a 53% rise in applications over the past five years, and UT Austin experienced a 24% spike just this year. As families seek out more accessible options, public universities are growing faster than privates—making them increasingly competitive for all applicants. Growth is strongest in the Southwest and South, with Texas leading the way and Florida close behind. Even academically accomplished students are encountering more unpredictable results across the board.

🔢 KEY STAT

Columbia received nearly 60,000 applications in 2025—for fewer than 2,500 spots.

🚀  WHAT YOU CAN DO

Students must be intentional when crafting their college list—and include targets and likelies where they can truly thrive.

🕒 TAKEAWAY #2

Applying Early Is the New Power Move

Colleges are no longer just rewarding early applicants—they’re building their classes around them. Many top schools now fill over 50% of their incoming class in early rounds. At Boston College, Early Decision applications rose 15% this year, while Vanderbilt saw an 11% increase. The advantage is clear: Duke admitted roughly 16% of Early Decision applicants this year, compared to just 5.1% in Regular Decision. Early applicants are typically more focused and aligned with institutional priorities, making the Regular Decision pool not only smaller—but significantly more competitive.

🔢  KEY STAT

Emory admitted 28% of Early Decision applicants—compared to just 8% in Regular Decision.

🚀  WHAT YOU CAN DO

If you have a clear top-choice school and it’s a financial fit, applying Early Decision can significantly boost your odds.

📝  TAKEAWAY #3

Test Scores Are Back—and They Matter

Testing is once again becoming a decisive factor in college admissions. Dartmouth, Yale, Brown, and Penn have reinstated testing requirements, and even at schools that remain test-optional, submitting strong scores significantly improves outcomes. For the first time since 2020, more applicants submitted SAT or ACT scores than applied test-optional—a clear sign that families are recalibrating. Test-optional does not mean test-ignorant: schools value strong scores as a way to confirm academic readiness, especially for competitive programs and scholarships.

🔢  KEY STAT

At University of Virginia, students who submitted test scores had a 26% admit rate—compared to just 14% for those who didn’t.

🚀  WHAT YOU CAN DO

Strong SAT or ACT scores in the top quartile now give students a clear edge—especially for selective majors and public universities. With 92% of students planning to test and 33% taking both exams, families are recalibrating their strategy to stay competitive.

💼 TAKEAWAY #4

What You Want to Study Matters A LOT In Admissions

Colleges are increasingly admitting by major, and the differences in selectivity are more dramatic than ever. It’s no longer just about getting into a school—it’s about getting into your specific program of interest. Highly selective majors like business, computer science, engineering, and nursing are now some of the toughest admits on campus, often with acceptance rates significantly lower than the college’s overall rate.

🔢 KEY STAT

UCLA’s Computer Science admit rate dropped below 3%—lower than most Ivy League schools.

🚀 WHAT YOU CAN DO

Show your academic readiness by taking advanced courses and pursuing activities that align with your intended major. Go beyond résumé-padding by demonstrating authentic intellectual curiosity through research, internships, or leadership. Independent projects and summer programs can highlight your deep engagement and genuine interest in the field.

🌞  TAKEAWAY #5

Southern Schools Are the New Selectives

Fueled by academic investment, national athletic success, and rising prestige, Southern universities have rapidly become some of the most competitive colleges in the country. Schools like Duke, Vanderbilt, Tulane, Georgia Tech, and the University of North Carolina are no longer regional standouts—they’re now attracting top-tier applicants from across the globe. In fact, their acceptance rates are on par with—or lower than—many Ivy League schools. Students are drawn by a combination of rigorous academics, vibrant campus life, and strong alumni networks, driving record-high application numbers and record-low admit rates. What used to be considered a “smart safety” is now a high-stakes reach, especially for out-of-state applicants navigating a far more selective admissions landscape.

🔢 KEY STAT

The University of Georgia’s applications rose 67% since 2020; admit rate fell from 46% to 33%.

🚀 WHAT YOU CAN DO

Popular Southern schools are no longer “safeties” or even “possibles”—they require strong academics and strategic positioning, especially for out-of-state applicants.

🌞  TAKEAWAY #6

Athletics Are Accelerating the Application Boom

Powerhouse athletic programs are transforming the admissions landscape at large public and private universities alike. Schools like Notre Dame—long known for their athletic legacy—are now seeing unprecedented national attention, with more applicants drawn by the combination of academic strength and spirited campus life. The result: application surges and tightening admit rates, especially for out-of-state students. What was considered a solid “match” just five years ago is now a high-stakes reach at many big-name schools riding the wave of athletic success and brand visibility.

🔢 KEY STAT

The University of Michigan’s overall admit rate is now just 17%, with out-of-state students admitted at an even lower rate of 12%.

🚀 WHAT YOU CAN DO

Don’t underestimate these schools—treat them like the selective institutions they’ve become by submitting strong, tailored applications that show academic alignment, standout involvement, and genuine interest.

🌞  TAKEAWAY #7

Out-of-State Applicants Are Getting Squeezed

Public flagships are tightening the reins on out-of-state admissions as they respond to state mandates, rising in-state demand, and yield management pressures. At schools like UT Austin, Michigan, and UNC-Chapel Hill, non-resident admit rates are now under 15%, making them more selective than many private colleges. For students applying from beyond state borders, these schools should no longer be considered admissions “safeties.” A compelling narrative, strong academic profile, and demonstrated interest are essential for standing out in an increasingly competitive pool.

🔢 KEY STAT

UVA’s 2025 admit rate was 23% for Virginians—but just 12.5% for out-of-state applicants.

🚀 WHAT YOU CAN DO

Public flagships are no longer safe bets for out-of-state students, with admit rates often far lower than for in-state applicants. Researching residency-based admissions policies is essential for building a smart, balanced college list.

🌞  TAKEAWAY #8

Institutional Priorities: The Hidden Force Behind Final Decisions

Powerhouse athletic programs are transforming the admissions landscape at large public and private universities alike. Schools like Notre Dame—long known for their athletic legacy—are now seeing unprecedented national attention, with more applicants drawn by the combination of academic strength and spirited campus life. The result: application surges and tightening admit rates, especially for out-of-state students. What was considered a solid “match” just five years ago is now a high-stakes reach at many big-name schools riding the wave of athletic success and brand visibility.

🔢 KEY STAT

The University of Michigan’s overall admit rate is now just 17%, with out-of-state students admitted at an even lower rate of 12%.

🚀 WHAT YOU CAN DO

Don’t underestimate these schools—treat them like the selective institutions they’ve become by submitting strong, tailored applications that show academic alignment, standout involvement, and genuine interest.