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The Changing Landscape of College Admissions: What You Need to Know for 2025

Dr. Amanda Sterk
Dr. Amanda Sterk

As we step into 2025, the college admissions process continues to evolve, presenting new challenges and opportunities for students and families. Staying informed about these changes is crucial for crafting a competitive application and making sound financial decisions. In this blog, we’ll explore three key areas shaping the admissions landscape: ACT/SAT updates, shifting admissions trends, and financial aid and scholarship trends. Let’s dive in!

1. ACT/SAT Changes and Updates

The role of standardized testing in college admissions has undergone significant transformation in recent years. As of 2025:

  • Test-Optional Policies: While many colleges and universities continue to embrace test-optional policies, some institutions are revisiting their stance. Schools that had temporarily suspended test requirements during the pandemic are now analyzing the long-term impact on admissions and student success and are reinstating scores for all applicants or for specific majors and specialty programs (STEM, Honors, limited-access, direct entry, etc.).

  • Digital Testing: The ACT and SAT have embraced digital formats, offering shorter test times, quicker score turnarounds, and more adaptive testing models. Students must be comfortable with this shift to perform well. While the SAT made significant changes in 2024, we will see the same for the ACT in 2025. 

  • Super Scoring Trends: An increasing number of schools now accept superscoring, allowing students to submit their best section scores across multiple test dates. This shift underscores the importance of strategic test preparation and planning.

My advice: If you’re considering applying to competitive programs or seeking merit-based scholarships, taking the ACT or SAT—even for test-optional schools—can strengthen your application and demonstrate your academic potential.

2. Admissions Trends: A Shifting Tide

The college application process has always been a numbers game, and the trends for 2025 reveal both opportunities and challenges:

  • Increase in Applications: Many top-tier and flagship universities are experiencing record-high application numbers, driven by expanded outreach, online application platforms, and a surge in international applicants. This makes these schools more selective than ever, with acceptance rates plummeting to single digits in some cases.

  • Decrease in Applications at Regional Schools: Conversely, regional public universities and smaller liberal arts colleges are seeing a decline in applications. These schools are responding by offering more attractive financial aid packages, streamlined application processes, and personalized admissions experiences.

  • What This Means for Students: It’s important to cast a wide net and consider schools outside the “name brand” institutions. Lesser-known colleges often provide exceptional educational opportunities with the added bonus of increased merit-based aid.

My advice: Build a balanced college list that includes reach, match, and safety schools. Pay close attention to the financial incentives offered by smaller and regional schools—they could be your hidden gems.

3. Financial Aid and Scholarship Trends

The relationship between application volume and available financial aid is more pronounced than ever. Here’s what you need to know:

  • High-Demand Schools Offer Less Aid: As applications rise at competitive institutions, the average financial aid package tends to shrink. Schools with robust endowments still offer need-based aid, but merit scholarships may become less accessible.

  • More Aid at Undersubscribed Schools: Schools facing declining enrollment are investing heavily in financial aid and scholarship programs to attract students. This trend is especially prevalent among regional and private liberal arts colleges.

  • FAFSA Simplifications: The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) has undergone significant changes, aiming to make the process easier for families. However, it’s critical to understand the new rules and deadlines to maximize your aid potential.

My advice: Stay proactive in your scholarship search and don’t rely solely on institutional aid. Explore local scholarships, national competitions, and niche opportunities. Every dollar counts when it comes to reducing college costs.

Final Thoughts

The college admissions landscape in 2025 is marked by change, but it’s also full of possibility. By understanding these trends and tailoring your approach, you can navigate the process with confidence and success. Remember, your journey is unique, and there are countless paths to achieving your educational and career goals.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need personalized guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can create a roadmap that aligns with your aspirations and maximizes your opportunities. Let’s make 2025 your year of college admissions success!