Funding my children’s future college education represents one of the largest investments our family will make.  So, I’m considering how to make the cost worthwhile—as college costs have “more than doubled in the 21^st century.”¹

Starting from the premise that knowledge is power, a few thought-starters about college applications now:

Schools are rethinking standardized testing (again) along with other key elements of the college admissions process.  For students and their parents, strategies about college application may also need to change.

As of January 2025, over 1,800 colleges and universities have adopted test-optional policies; however, strong test scores can still enhance applications.  The UC system is fully “test-blind,” but elite institutions like Brown, Dartmouth, and MIT have returned to requiring test scores.²  Schools like NYU are “test optional,” while still others require test scores for majors like computer science.

What are your student’s strengths?  Does your child have access to test-prep resources? Is the student likely to score in the top 10% on the SAT? Or, will a stellar academic record and class rank paint a better picture?

Many schools now spotlight extra-curricular achievements, essays and letters of recommendation–placing emphasis on a “holistic” application.   A 2023 report by Harvard Graduate School of Education notes that admissions officers are drawn to applicants who engage in authentic service for societal improvement.³

For students, AI tools like ChatGPT are now popular to assist with application essays.  Educators, however, caution reliance on AI because the result is never as powerful as a genuine expression of the singular voice.  Christine Elgersma, Common Sense Media notes, “Students should understand the ethical implications, the biases that exist in AI algorithms, the potential for misinformation and the privacy risks.”⁴

At the same time, some colleges have adopted AI to screen applications, analyze transcripts, and manage records—raising concerns about bias as algorithms trained on pre-existing data may prolong inequities for less-resourced students.⁵

The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2025 decision on affirmative action is also driving change.  Some schools are scaling back or re-branding DEI programs, while others have shifted focus to socio-economic diversity and first-generation support.⁶  Life challenges—expressed in essays and personal statements—carry greater weight.

1. https://educationdata.org/average-cost-of-college
2. https://www.forbes.com/sites/sarahhernholm/2025/01/18/4-trends-shaping-the-college-admissions-process-for-2025/
3. https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/usable-knowledge/16/06/college-and-good-student
4. https://calmatters.org/education/higher-education/2023/10/college-application-essays/
5. https://www.forbes.com/sites/brennanbarnard/2024/09/17/college-admission-an-ai-revolution/
6. https://www.road2college.com/college-affirmative-action-3-18-2025/