The Latest College Admissions Trends of 2025

Students looking ahead to their college application process are aware that many aspects are in a state of flux. They are left wondering whether they will need to apply “early decision,” how much time to devote to maximizing their SAT scores, if they should prioritize academics or extracurriculars, and what kind of financial investment will pay off. 

Since numbers don’t lie, an examination of the acceptance rates at a multitude of colleges popular with New Jersey students reveals that there is often a distinct advantage in applying “early decision” to one’s favorite college. In doing so, students are committing to attend the school, if accepted. But many view this as a wise choice. The acceptance rate of Early Decision vs. Regular applicants are as follows at these popular institutions: Columbia University (15% to 4%), Northeastern University (39% to 6%), Boston University (26% to 11%), American University (85% to 47%), University of Miami (60% to 19%), Villanova University (49% to 25%), and Lehigh University (53% to 29%).

 

As for SAT scores, standardized test requirements have made a comeback and provide a distinct advantage to students in the competitive application process, according to Forbes. Universities that require SAT scores of all applicants include Harvard, Brown, MIT, Georgetown, Georgia Tech, University of Georgia, Purdue, and University of Florida. Others are adding the requirement, starting in the Fall of 2026, including Cornell, Stanford, and Johns Hopkins. Even colleges that are still “test optional” often require SAT scores for scholarship consideration.

College Combined Plan Programs to Graduate Early

Students seeking the best options for their higher education would do well to look beyond their college days. By envisioning their ultimate goal, students can set themselves on a direct path towards success. 

 

Students aiming for careers as physicians, dentists, lawyers, engineers, physical therapists, and physician assistants may want to target “direct entry” programs. These programs provide a direct pathway for students to move onto their advanced programs, often without taking further standardized tests or applying for admission.

 

For example, Drexel and Seton Hall universities, as well as a host of other institutions, offer a direct entry BS/MD course of study that allows students to gain early acceptance into both their undergraduate program and medical school at the same time.

25 Stunning College Campuses Across the U.S.

While beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, there are certain characteristics that contribute to the visual appeal of particular college campuses. U.S. News & World Report, known for its academic ranking of college campuses, recently considered the aesthetics and identified 25 colleges, all within the U.S., “known for beautiful campuses with attributes such as stunning architecture, picturesque settings, or spectacular landscaping.” 

East coast schools that made the list include Princeton University in N.J. This Ivy League school is known for its architecture including American colonial-style buildings (one of which was home to Albert Einstein for two decades) and Gothic buildings reminiscent of those at University of Oxford and University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. 

 

Additional east coast schools known for their stunning college campuses are University of Vermont, Harvard University (MA), Salve Regina University (RI), Swarthmore College (PA), Villanova University (PA), University of Virginia, Duke University (NC), Flagler College (FL), and four schools in Georgia: Georgia Institute of Technology, Berry College, Mercer University, and Spelman College.

Top Places to Visit on College Tours

Students hoping to find their ideal college have a unique opportunity each year:  Spring Break. It’s typically the only time of year when high school students are on break while college students are engaged in classes. Most colleges schedule their spring break for early March, while most high schools hold theirs in April. This provides the perfect opportunity for high school students to visit campuses while college life is in full swing.

To maximize this opportunity, high school students should register in advance and then sign in at the Admissions Office on the day of their visit. This is important because colleges keep track of their engagement with students and view it as a sign of demonstrated interest. Visiting students should take the official campus tour and maximize the opportunity to ask questions of their student guide.  There are no “bad questions,” so students and parents should ask whatever is on their mind: rigor of academics, dedication of professors, internship and study abroad options, extra-curricular activities, quality of dorms and dining halls, and the overall atmosphere on campus.

Students should let the tour guide know of any priorities, such as viewing science labs, the campus radio station, specific athletic facilities, and the like. Tour guides who do not have access will be able to connect families to staff members who do.