University Success

Some news about Universities

• Duke University Sets New Record: Duke announced its lowest-ever acceptance rate for students starting in Fall 2025, admitting just 4.8% of applicants. Out of 53,223 applications, only 1,953 students were accepted, with Regular Decision at a mere 3.67%. Competition is fiercer than ever!

• NYU Sees Application Surge: New York University received a record-breaking 120,633 applications for Fall 2025, the highest in its history. Despite the huge pool, only 8.5% were accepted, showing how tough it’s getting to secure a spot.

• DOJ Targets California Schools: The U.S. Department of Justice launched investigations into Stanford, UC Berkeley, UCLA, and UC Irvine in March 2025, probing whether their admissions policies comply with the 2023 Supreme Court ruling banning race-based admissions. Federal scrutiny is shaking up the process!

• Cal State’s Auto-Admit Program: A pilot program in Riverside County is guaranteeing admission to 10 Cal State campuses for high school seniors with good grades in 2025. So far, 10,600 students have been admitted—up from 9,800 last year. No application needed—just maintain those grades!

• Testing Makes a Comeback: Ohio State University will require SAT or ACT scores again for students applying for Fall 2026, signaling a broader trend. Many schools, like Princeton (test-optional through 2025), might follow suit soon, impacting next year’s applicants.




For 2026 (Fall 2026 Admissions)

• “Heads up: Ohio State’s bringing back SAT/ACT requirements for Fall 2026 applicants. Time to dust off those test prep books!”
• “The U.S. Naval Academy axed race-based admissions in Feb 2025 after federal pressure. More schools might tweak policies for Fall 2026

• “Applications to top schools like Columbia dipped in 2025. Could Fall 2026 see less competition? Early signs say maybe!”

• “Test-optional might be on its last legs. Princeton’s keeping it through 2025, but will it stick for Fall 2026? Experts bet on a testing comeback!”

The 2024 college admissions landscape may present some challenges, but students and families can embrace a flexible, strategic approach. Here are some trends to consider:
AI-driven application review
More colleges may use machine learning algorithms to assess applicants based on predicted college performance and career outcomes. These systems may scan applications, essays, and transcripts for attributes that correlate with graduation rates, GPAs, and other metrics.
Standardized testing
Some prestigious institutions, like Dartmouth, Brown, and MIT, have reinstated standardized testing requirements.
Essay prompts
Some colleges may introduce new essay prompts to understand applicants' backgrounds and experiences in response to the Supreme Court decision in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. that eliminated race-conscious admissions.
Videos and interviews
Students may see new requirements for videos and interviews, similar to the optional "video introductions" that some colleges have already offered.
Waitlists
Colleges may use waitlists more frequently due to rising application numbers and concerns over enrollment.
Virtual sessions
Admissions offices may offer virtual sessions where students and parents can ask questions and learn more about the school