College Admissions Secrets for 2025–2026: What You Really Need to Know
- Laura (Heslin) Whitmore
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
By Laura Whitmore
College admissions is more competitive—and more confusing—than ever. Between shifting test-optional policies, early decision trends, and pressure to build the perfect “narrative,” it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. I recently sat down with Amy Miller, a seasoned Independent Educational Consultant (IEC) with nearly 30 years of experience, to talk through what’s really going on in admissions and what families can do to give themselves a clear, strategic advantage.
Want a break from reading? Watch my YouTube video now!
💡Here’s what you need to know for the 2025–2026 application cycle:
1. The number 1 Way to Show Interest in a College ⭐️
Demonstrated interest can still matter—especially at smaller liberal arts colleges—but nothing speaks louder than applying early decision. That’s the strongest signal a student can send to a school that says, “You’re my first choice.”
While interviews, college tours, and connecting with admissions officers can help support a student's interest, early decision has the biggest impact.
2. Why Narrative Matters More Than Ever ‼️
Top colleges want more than just perfect grades and test scores—they’re looking for students who will contribute to campus life in a meaningful way. That’s where your narrative comes in. A narrative is the through-line that connects your interests, activities, academics, and goals.
For example, if a student is passionate about marine biology, their story might involve a science research project, volunteering at an aquarium, and leading a beach cleanup. These connections help admissions officers see how a student’s interests are real and evolving—not just resume fillers.
3. Being Well-Rounded vs. Being Focused 🧘
Yes, involvement in a variety of activities is great—but going deep in a few areas often makes a bigger impact than doing a little bit of everything. Admissions teams want to see leadership, initiative, and curiosity. They’d rather see nine meaningful activities than ten random ones.
4. SAT/ACT Still Matter (Even at Test-Optional Schools) 🔥
While many schools are still test-optional, submitting a strong SAT or ACT score can absolutely help—especially for students from schools with less rigorous academic profiles or for those applying to more selective colleges.
At top-tier colleges, GPA and test scores together remain one of the most reliable indicators of academic potential. Submitting strong scores can help ease doubts for admissions officers, especially as grade inflation has made it harder to rely on GPA alone — with most students nationwide now earning an A average. We're also seeing a quiet but noticeable trend: more schools are beginning to reinstate or strongly favor test scores in their admissions process.
If you need resources to get your SAT prep in order, I recommend checking out our Digital SAT Self-Paced Courses, which include comprehensive lessons and strategies to help students strengthen both their math and English performance at their own pace.
5. Start Sooner Than You Think ⏰
Waiting until junior spring to start test prep or build a narrative is usually too late. Sophomore year is the sweet spot to begin exploring interests, testing timelines, and essay prep.
I’ve seen far too many students trying to cram SAT prep into spring semester of junior year - or worse, summer before senior year - while also juggling 4–6 APs, sports, and other commitments. It’s not sustainable and leads to stress on everyone—including the tutors.
6. How to Handle Test-Optional Applications 💪
Here’s what Amy recommends:
Take the SAT or ACT anyway. Even if you’re not sure you’ll submit scores, it’s helpful to know where you stand.
Submit scores strategically. Some schools on your list might benefit from seeing your score; others might not.
Use score ranges to guide your decision. If your score falls well below a school’s middle 50%, it might make sense to withhold it—especially if you’re applying early decision and the rest of your profile is incredibly strong.
7. Early Decision vs. Early Action ⚠️
Early decision = binding. If you get in, you’re going.
Early action = non-binding, and in recent years, the boost from early action isn’t as strong as it used to be.
But early decision still provides a clear edge, especially if you’re applying to schools with single-digit acceptance rates.
Just remember: early decision isn’t ideal if you need to compare financial aid offers.
8. Institutional Priorities Are Real 💯
Colleges don’t always publicly share their current priorities, but they do exist—and they shift year to year. A school may prioritize first-generation students, underrepresented regions (like rural areas), or specific programs (like new athletic teams or majors).
Legacy admissions still matter at some colleges, especially in early decision rounds, but not across the board.
You can sometimes get clues by looking at a school’s “accepted student profile” on their admissions website (e.g., search “[School Name] Class of 2029 profile”).
9. How to Build a Smart College List 📝
Applying to Ivy League schools is increasingly like buying a lottery ticket—even with great stats. The next tier down (think Notre Dame or Boston College) is now what the Ivies were 10–15 years ago in terms of selectivity.
Amy works closely with students to build balanced lists, combining reach schools with strong-fit options where the student’s narrative, academic background, and test scores align well with what the school is looking for. The goal isn’t just getting in—it’s finding the right fit where the student will thrive.
10. Practical Application Tips ✅
When it comes to the Common App:
Activities list: Put your top activities first and use the word count wisely. Don’t repeat your title—explain your impact, skills gained, or accomplishments.
Start early: You can begin working on the Common App before August 1, and your information will roll over when the system refreshes.
Customize when needed: You can tweak your application for each school. Don’t worry—schools only see the final version you send them.
For personal statements, lead with a strong hook that sparks curiosity—not shock. Aim to heighten one of the five senses or paint a clear picture. Also, don’t reuse the same story for all your essays. Supplemental questions are school-specific and require a tailored, thoughtful response.
Want examples? Check out the Johns Hopkins “Essays That Worked” archive. It includes not just the essay but admissions officers’ notes, which is incredibly helpful as you brainstorm topics.
Final Thoughts 💭
College admissions is no longer just about checking boxes. It's about showing who you are, what you care about, and how you'll contribute to a college community. Whether you're a high-achieving student with Ivy dreams or someone trying to find your niche, the process should reflect your authentic self—not just what you think colleges want to see.
And remember: the earlier you start, the better. You don’t have to figure everything out at once, but having a clear plan and thoughtful strategy will go a long way in making this journey less stressful—and a lot more successful!
If you want to learn more about working with Amy and her team, please head to launchiv.com.
Happy prepping!
