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What This Year’s College Admissions Results Reveal for Future Applicants
Experts who guide applications—and the admissions officers who read them—explain what changed and what it means for your student.
May 4th Webinar at 6:00 pm CDT
Inside 2026 College Admissions: A Deep Dive into the Data and the Students Behind the Results
A data-driven breakdown of what changed in the 2026 admissions cycle—and what those shifts mean for families planning ahead.
We’ll Explore:
- Shifts in acceptance rates across selective colleges
- The growing impact of Early Decision
- When test scores helped—and when they mattered less
- How intended major influenced admissions outcomes
Hear from our experts who have guided hundreds of students through the admissions process.
- Lisa Bain Carlton,
25+ years as a college counselor
- Bob Carlton,
30+ years of higher education experience
- Amanda Edelhart,
20+ years as a college counselor
- Jed Applerouth,
Nationally recognized test prep expert
May 6th Webinar at 6:00 pm CDT
College Admissions Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All — What Actually Matters
Admissions leaders explain how applications are evaluated—and how students can make thoughtful, personalized decisions as they prepare for the next admissions cycle.
We’ll Explore:
- Test-optional vs. test-preferred policies
- How colleges view AI in applications
- The role of intended major and academic direction
- Why depth in extracurriculars matters
Hear from admissions officers who read your students’ applications.
- Ashley Templeton, University of Georgia
- Carol Lee Conchar, George Washington University
- Laura Robitaille, University of Wisconsin
- Michael McGrath, Syracuse University
Why This Admissions Cycle Felt So Unpredictable
Early Decision data points to major shifts in admissions.
Testing Is Separating Applicants
↑ 11% Score Submission
More high-achieving students are submitting SAT/ACT scores again.
Application Inflation Continues
9.19M Applications Submitted
Students now apply to 6.5 colleges on average, pushing admit rates lower.
Early Applications Define Outcomes
65% Applied Early
Many selective colleges fill 45–60% of seats before Regular Decision.
Early Decision Is Getting More Competitive
↑ 14% ED Volume at Some Schools
As more students apply early, acceptance rates continue to tighten
Understand the Results. Build the Strategy.
Join both sessions to see what changed in the 2026 admissions cycle—and how students can plan smarter for the next one.
We have a unique approach at ESM Prep College MatchPoint. It all begins and ends with our ultimate goal: for our students to thrive in their selected college.
The college application process can feel overwhelming, no matter how strong the student. But at College MatchPoint, we believe it should be organized, personal, and even fun, and we provide a framework that reduces the stress throughout the journey.