Here are the 5 early trends parents should pay close attention to, with one concrete action step for each:

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The Southwest is surging, and Texas families face rising competition

The Southwestern region grew 15%, almost twice the rate of any other region. Texas remains the #1 state for Common App applicants and continues to grow at the same pace.

Action for families: Students in Texas and the Southwest should get organized early. Help your student identify their intended major, finalize their activity list, and outline essays before deadlines get close. The clearer their direction, the easier it is for colleges to see their strengths in a crowded pool.

International applications are dropping fast, which may shift how colleges build their classes

International applicants declined 9%. Applications from India fell 14%, and Ghana dropped 43%. Domestic applicants, on the other hand, grew 7%. Colleges that normally rely on international students will adjust their strategies as they shape their freshman class.

Action for families: Pay attention to updated admissions messages from colleges your student likes. Schools with dropping international numbers may increase outreach to domestic students, including those from out of state. This can create small but meaningful opportunities for students who are prepared.

Students are choosing to send test scores, even to test-optional schools

Students submitting test scores grew 11%. Students who did not submit scores dropped 1%. Even though most colleges remain test optional, families are signaling that a strong score still matters.

Action for families: If your student is a junior, set a testing timeline now. Aim for a first SAT or ACT by early spring. This gives time for a retest and helps your student make an informed decision about sending scores. If your student already has a strong score, plan to send it.

More students are choosing in-state options or building balanced lists

Fewer students are applying only to out-of-state colleges. More are focusing on in-state choices or creating mixed lists that reflect cost, value, and academic fit.

Action for families: Help your student build a list that includes in-state options, out-of-state options, and a few financial fits. Encourage them to look at outcomes, majors, and career paths. A balanced list sets them up for better choices in the spring.

Applications to the most selective colleges are slowing down

Applications to the most selective colleges grew only 4%, compared to higher growth across other institutions. Students appear to be spreading their options more widely.

Action for families: If your student is applying to highly selective schools, help them build a strong, clear narrative. Their activities, essays, recommendations, and major choice should connect. Support them in pairing reach schools with solid match and safety choices that still excite them.

What This Means For Your Family

This early season is moving quickly. Students are applying in record numbers and taking action months ahead of deadlines. At the same time, the applicant pool is shifting in ways that create both pressure and opportunity.

For parents, the most helpful steps are simple. Encourage your student to take small, steady actions. Help them stay organized. Support them in exploring majors and building a list that matches their goals, values, and strengths. Early planning does not remove all stress, but it gives students more control and confidence.