There's a lot of chaos with federal funding, particularly at the R1 research universities. I suspect universities beyond the T20 will look even more favorably at full pay students who apply ED, whether the schools admit it or not. But I don't think admissions changes much at T20 schools.

They might ease up on tests at some places. Esp given financial constraints- everything will be up in the air.

Recession is coming

1. Increased tuition to make up for reduced grants.
2. Less financial aid available.
3. Fewer test optional choices.
4. Fewer and lower value for tuition discounts.
5. Less overall students applying to college.
6. Top schools will remain a crap shoot
7. Parents will complain about being stressed out for a number of reasons.

Anonymous wrote:If your child is interested in the ACT vs. the SAT, get a handle on that now. The ACT is rolling out changes, and you may want to make tactical decisions around that. The college counseling office at DS's school is recommending that juniors who want to take the ACT take the "old" version while they still can.

Yes, we were left wishing we had taken the pre-digital SAT. Switched to ACT and it worked out, but now there will be one new, and one pretty new, test for options. Agree good idea to try the current ACT to see how it goes.

I don’t think selectivity rates or application applications will go down at any of the top 200 schools. Even though there might be slightly fewer applicants, now that there’s a common app and you can apply to 10+ schools, kids will increase the amount of schools they will apply to just because they can and to try to increase their odds.

Don’t count on it being easier next year to get in is all.

Anonymous wrote:If your child is interested in the ACT vs. the SAT, get a handle on that now. The ACT is rolling out changes, and you may want to make tactical decisions around that. The college counseling office at DS's school is recommending that juniors who want to take the ACT take the "old" version while they still can.

For reference, they use this company for test prep--not saying you should, but you may find their guidance about the testing changes helpful: https://www.compassprep.com/smartest-testing-choices-for-class-of-2026/

If your child is interested in the ACT vs. the SAT, get a handle on that now. The ACT is rolling out changes, and you may want to make tactical decisions around that. The college counseling office at DS's school is recommending that juniors who want to take the ACT take the "old" version while they still can.

Selective schools will be selective, but people will convince themselves all the "good" schools are suddenly impossible to get into.

And everyone with a reasonable, diverse list of schools will chuckle.

Anonymous wrote:What does DCUM think will be the top trends?

Or anything you think may be unexpected?

Anything to avoid?

My DC will be applying, and I'm both intimated and stressed already. ugh

More full pay acceptances in the 2025-2026 admissions cycle.

Hope y'all saved your money.

The college class of 2030 will start the downward trend in size, so the acceptance rates will go up. I expect it may be slightly easier to get into some of the more expensive private schools b/c there will be fewer families that feel comfortable with the 80/90K+ COA. State schools may get even harder, though, for in-state as people are searching for deals.

My guess is that we may see acceptance rates go up slightly. There's so much chaos right now, however, that everything will seem impossible to predict. These are scary times.

Same. I think there will be a lot of upheaval. Less funding. Will it impact the undergraduate level? Will less schools offer merit?

Essays on culture/ethnicity/community. Will these go away? See other thread.

Will colleges over accept? To account for low yield due to financial reasons?

I have no answers, just questions. I also have a ‘26 graduate.

My top trend will be chilling out a bit and trying to enjoy the last year with my kid at home.

Look for lessons learned thread

What does DCUM think will be the top trends?

Or anything you think may be unexpected?

Anything to avoid?

My DC will be applying, and I'm both intimated and stressed already. ugh