Applications Up, Tests Back, AI Under Watch: The New Rules of College Admissions
If you’re gearing up for the college admissions process, buckle up! 2025–2026 is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic (read: slightly chaotic) cycles in recent memory. Between testing comebacks, AI worries, policy shifts, and record-breaking application numbers, there’s a lot happening.
Whether you're applying to schools in the US, UK, Canada, or Australia, staying ahead of these trends can give you a major edge, and save you some unnecessary stress.
🇺🇸 US Admissions Trends: 8 Things to Know
1. Application Frenzy Is Real
Applications are up. Again. Last cycle saw a 4% bump in applicants and a 6% jump in total applications. Everyone’s casting a wider net, and Early Action and Early Decision rounds are more competitive than ever.
What to do:
Build a smart college list with a good mix of reach, match, and safety schools. More isn’t always better. Focus on quality applications that actually reflect who you are and why you’d be a great fit.
2. Southern Public Schools Are Blowing Up
Schools like UT-Austin are hot. UT got 90,000+ apps for Fall 2025—a 24% increase—and nearly half of those came from out-of-state or international students.
What to do:
Don’t sleep on big public schools, especially in the South. They’re growing in reputation, often more affordable, and may offer the same opportunities as private and more selective schools (or more).
3. The SAT/ACT Are (Kinda) Back
Yes, more than 2,100 schools are still test-optional (you can find out which ones via fairtest.org). But a handful of big names, like Harvard and Dartmouth, are bringing back test requirements. Their argument: it helps level the playing field and gauge readiness.
What to do:
Check each college’s current policy (they change a lot from year to year). If testing’s on the table, make a plan early and consider giving it a shot, especially if you’re an international student. And it goes without saying, don’t forget to take your TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo!
4. "Show, Don’t Tell" Admissions
Selective schools want to see your academic passion, not just read about it. Especially if you’re applying to majors like business, engineering, CS, econ, or nursing, you’ll need evidence.
What to do:
Line up experiences that match your major, like research, internships, relevant clubs, or summer courses. Show you’re not just interested—you’re invested. Show how committed you are through time, action, and impact. If you’re interested in how extracurriculars matter, click here.
5. AI Essays? They Can Tell.
Let’s be real: some students are using ChatGPT to write (or polish) their essays. And admissions officers are catching on. Tools to detect AI writing are being used, and there’s already been at least one reported case of an admission being revoked.
What to do:
Use AI to get unstuck, not to write your whole essay. Admissions officers want your voice. Your thoughts. Your weird little quirks and meaningful stories. That’s what gets remembered.
6. Common App: Shorter, Sharper
The Common App made a couple big updates:
The “Additional Info” section is now capped at 300 words (down from 650).
The “Community Disruption” question has a new name: “Challenges and Circumstances” so you can write about all kinds of personal experiences, not just pandemic-related stuff.
What to do:
Be selective. Use the Additional Info section only if you really need to give context that’s not elsewhere. And if something personal affected your journey, the “Challenges” prompt is your space to talk about it.
7. Legacy Admissions Losing Ground
More colleges are dropping legacy preferences, especially public schools and selective privates under public pressure. It’s all part of a move toward more equitable admissions.
What to do:
Don’t count on a family name. Focus on your story, your work, and what you uniquely bring to a campus community.
8. Politics Are Shaping College Choices
From campus protests to new laws, the political environment is pushing some students to rethink where they apply. Safety, support, and shared values are all playing a bigger role in decision-making. And if you’re an international student, all the more important!
What to do:
Do a vibe check. Seriously. Visit campuses if you can. Watch student panels. Read the student newspaper. Ask: “Can I be myself here? Will I feel safe and supported?”
Other Global Trends to Watch
🇬🇧 UK: UCAS Personal Statement Gets a Makeover
Starting in 2025, the UK is retiring the classic personal statement. Instead, you’ll answer three structured questions, which is more straightforward, but still important:
Why do you want to study this course or subject?
How have your qualifications and studies prepared you for this course?
What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?
What to do:
Keep it focused. Be clear about why you’re choosing that subject and how your background supports it. Academic motivation is key in the UK system. Read more on how to crush it!
🇨🇦 Canada: Still All About Balance
Canadian universities are sticking with a holistic review process, mixing grades, extracurriculars, and essays. High-demand programs, like engineering and business, are getting more competitive as well.
What to do:
Stay consistent: keep your grades up, stay involved in things that matter to you, and be thoughtful in your writing. They’re looking for students who are both academically strong and well-rounded.
🇦🇺 Australia: Policy Shifts Are Coming
Australia welcomed nearly 200,000 international students in Feb 2025 alone, but policy changes are on the horizon. New rules could cap student numbers and increase visa fees, especially at high-demand schools.
What to do:
Watch the news and stay flexible. Look at a range of Australian universities, including regional ones that may offer similar programs with fewer bottlenecks.
The admissions world is changing fast. But here’s the good news: if you stay informed, stay grounded, and stay true to yourself, you’ll be in great shape. Colleges aren’t just looking for perfect students, they’re looking for real ones. So know the trends, build smart strategies, and bring your full, authentic self to the process.
Need a hand?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or just want a second set of eyes on your strategy, essays, or college list, All-Out is here to help. From test planning to personal statements to picking the right schools, we’ve got your back. Reach out anytime, and let’s make this process a little less stressful (and a lot more successful).