College ApplicationsTest Prep
The college admissions landscape is evolving rapidly, and families with high school students—especially in the Class of 2026 and 2027—need to stay ahead of the curve. With major college admissions updates in 2025, including new testing policies, application trends, and essay evaluations, the process is more competitive than ever.
To help parents and students prepare effectively, we’ve compiled six critical college admissions updates that every family should understand. Whether your student is a high school junior gearing up for applications or a younger student planning ahead, these insights will help you make informed decisions.
1. Applications Surge Again—Especially in Texas
The number of college applications has been steadily increasing year after year, and 2024 was no exception. Data from the Common App, the most widely used application platform, reveals a 4% increase in applicants and a 6% increase in total applications compared to the previous year.
The trend is even more pronounced in Texas. Applications from Texas students have grown by 36%, making Texas the second-largest contributor to Common App’s applicant pool, behind only New York.
This surge creates two important challenges for families:
- Increased competition for spots at selective universities.
- The need to stand out in increasingly crowded applicant pools.
For Texas families, this means getting an early start on building a strategic college list and creating standout applications tailored to each school.
2. Test Scores Are Making a Comeback
The test-optional wave that swept through college admissions during COVID is reversing at many institutions. Common App reports that the percentage of applicants submitting SAT or ACT scores jumped by 11% this year. For a while, it looked like it might be the first year since the pandemic that a majority of students submitted test scores. That changed in February, but the number of students not submitting scores has dipped by 1%.
Even more telling: students from wealthier zip codes are submitting test scores at even higher rates. This shift is partly driven by the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling limiting the use of race in admissions, which has led colleges to use zip codes as a proxy for diversity. In affluent areas, not submitting a test score may actually hurt a student’s application.
Colleges such as The University of Texas at Austin have reinstated test requirements, and others are following suit. The takeaway? For students aiming at competitive schools, strong test scores are once again a critical component of a successful application.
3. Major Changes to the ACT Exam
Families considering the ACT need to know about significant changes rolling out in 2025:
- Students will have the option to choose digital or paper testing starting in April 2025.
- The test will feature fewer questions per section, but students will have more time per question.
- The Science section becomes optional
- Starting in September 2025 the Science section will no longer factor into the composite score.
However, here’s the important caveat: the shorter version of the ACT is only available for digital tests until September 2025. Students taking the paper test will still get the traditional, longer format.
What does this mean for families?
- For now, Bybee College Prep recommends sticking with the paper ACT until the kinks in digital testing are worked out.
- Students should still take the Science section—because colleges haven’t yet decided if they’ll require it.
Another critical point: with fewer questions, each question will carry more weight. Missing just one or two questions could drop a student’s section score significantly. This raises the stakes for students who aim for top scores.
4. Colleges Are Using AI to Review Applications
Artificial intelligence (AI) has quietly entered the admissions process, and its role is growing fast. A recent article from The Daily Tarheel revealed that the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has been using AI for since at least 2022 to review and score application essays.
Here’s how it works:
- Colleges feed their essay rubrics into AI systems.
- The AI scores essays on criteria like structure, tone, and grammar—helping admissions teams process the flood of applications faster.
This means that the first “reader” of a student’s essay might not be a human at all. For families, this underscores the importance of crafting essays that align with the specific rubrics and expectations of each college.
What’s more, while using AI tools to edit for grammar and flow is smart, having students write essays that are authentic and personal is still critical. Admissions officers—and their AI assistants—can spot a generic or overly polished essay from a mile away.
5. The University of Texas and Texas A&M Are More Competitive Than Ever
Two schools at the top of many Texas students’ lists—UT Austin and Texas A&M—have both announced changes that make them more selective than ever.
At UT Austin, application volume soared past 90,000 applications this year, prompting the school to introduce a waitlist for the first time. The high demand also delayed decisions by several weeks, creating anxiety for students and families.
Meanwhile, Texas A&M has announced an enrollment cap:
- For the next 5 to 7 years, the school will cap freshman enrollment at 11,750 students per year.
- Total annual enrollment (including transfers) will be capped at 15,000 students.
This enrollment cap is expected to lower A&M’s acceptance rate significantly—dropping from the current 63% to an estimated 47% or lower, depending on application volume.
The lesson for families? Applying to these Texas flagships requires:
- Careful academic and test score preparation.
- Strategic major selection.
- Strong essays that align with intended majors.
- Early application submission to maximize chances.
6. Summer Planning Is Critical for College Application Success
Finally, if your student is in the Class of 2026, the summer before senior year is the time to:
- Finalize the college list.
- Prepare a strong academic resume.
- Draft and revise college essays.
- Prepare and finalize letters of recommendation requests.
- Complete the Common App and other applications as early as possible.
Families who approach summer strategically will avoid the last-minute scramble that leads to rushed essays, overlooked details, and missed deadlines.
To support students in this process, Bybee College Prep offers the College App Camp, a structured program designed to help students complete major components of their applications in just four days. Students leave camp with:
- A polished academic resume.
- A draft of their main Common App essay.
- One college-ready supplemental essay.
- Their Common App profile completed, ready for submission.
Starting early isn’t just about reducing stress—it’s about increasing confidence and competitiveness in the admissions process.
Final Thoughts
As the admissions landscape grows more competitive and technology-driven, families must stay informed, strategic, and proactive. These six updates highlight just how much the process is evolving—and how important it is for students to craft strong, well-rounded applications that reflect their unique strengths and goals.
If your family would like help building a customized college admissions plan, Bybee College Prep offers free consultations to get you started. From test prep to essay coaching to college list development, we’re here to support your student’s success every step of the way.
Want to learn more?
Visit Bybee College Prep for expert advice, upcoming workshops, and personalized support for every stage of the admissions journey.
