US University Admissions
Latest news, trends, and resources for students applying to US colleges and graduate programs in 2025–2026.
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Latest US Admissions News
Key developments from the past 6 months every applicant to US colleges and graduate programs should know.
Test Requirements
SAT / ACT
SAT & ACT Are Back — Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale All Require Scores
Most Ivy League and top-50 schools have reinstated standardized testing for the 2025–26 cycle. Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Brown, Yale, Cornell, UPenn, Dartmouth, and Georgetown now require SAT or ACT scores. Submitting strong scores is more important than ever.
December 2025
Read moreTest Optional
Test-Optional Schools Still Benefit From Score Submission
Even at schools like Columbia and Princeton that remain test-optional, applicants who submit strong scores have a measurable advantage as high-scoring applicant pools grow. Test score submission rose 11% in the latest cycle.
December 2025
Read moreACT Changes
ACT Makes Science Section Optional in April 2025
The ACT updated its digital test in April 2025, making the Science section optional. However, some schools — including Boston University — still require it for students submitting ACT scores. Check each school's policy before testing.
April 2025
Read moreEarly Admissions
Class of 2030
MIT Admits 655 Early Action — 5.5% Acceptance Rate
MIT received 11,883 early action applications for the Class of 2030, resulting in an acceptance rate of 5.5% — one of the most competitive early cycles on record. Yale accepted 10.9% of early applicants, Duke admitted 847 via early decision at 13.8%.
December 2025
Read moreEarly Action Surge
Early Action Applications Rose 17% — Apply Early for Best Odds
Early action applications hit record highs across most schools. Students who apply EA or ED continue to have a statistical advantage. However, deferrals also hit all-time highs at Vanderbilt (+60%) and Yale (20% deferred).
December 2025
Read moreNotre Dame
Notre Dame Admits 1,617 Early Action — 12% Rate
Notre Dame received 13,711 early applications, up 6% year over year, with an overall early admission rate of 12%. Brown accepted 16.5% via early decision. Application volumes are rising even as acceptance rates tighten.
December 2025
Read morePolicy & Trends
Federal Policy
Trump Administration Orders Colleges to Report New Admissions Data
A federal directive requires universities to submit disaggregated data on applicants including race, sex, test scores, and GPA. The move follows the 2023 Supreme Court ban on race-conscious admissions and has put admissions offices under heightened scrutiny.
August 2025
Read moreApplications
Georgetown Joins Common App for Fall 2026
Georgetown University will join the Common Application platform starting with the Fall 2026 cycle, making it easier to include alongside other top school applications. Public university applications grew 10% while private college applications grew only 3%.
2025
Read moreAccess
Overall Acceptance Rates Rising — Most Schools Accept 6 in 10 Applicants
While elite universities remain extremely competitive, colleges overall now accept about 6 in 10 applicants, up from 5 in 10 a decade ago. Many schools are streamlining applications, waiving fees, and actively recruiting as the 18-year-old population declines.
November 2025
Read moreGraduate Admissions (GRE / GMAT)
GRE / GMAT
MBA Programs Increasingly Require GMAT or GRE — Waivers Declining
Top business schools including Harvard Business School, Wharton, Booth, and Kellogg have phased out blanket GMAT waivers introduced during COVID. Strong test scores are again a differentiating factor for competitive MBA programs.
2025
Read moreLaw School
LSAT Remains Dominant for US Law School Admissions
While some schools have begun accepting GRE scores, LSAT remains the primary admissions test for US law schools. Top schools like Harvard Law, Yale Law, and Columbia Law heavily weight LSAT scores in their admissions decisions.
2025
Read moreAI in Admissions
AI Being Used to Review Essays and Transcripts at Top Schools
Many admissions offices now use AI tools to scan letters of recommendation, transcripts, and essays for key information. While AI speeds up review, admissions officers stress that authenticity and personal narrative remain the most important factors.
2025
Read moreOfficial US Admissions Resources
Bookmark these official portals — the authoritative sources for applications, test registration, and deadlines.
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