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January 15th Webinar at 6:00 pm CST
Eight Predictions That Will Shape College Admissions in 2026
College admissions are changing faster than most families realize. In this eye-opening webinar, we’ll walk through eight concrete predictions for the 2026 cycle and show how each one affects families.
Our team will connect the big trends to clear next steps. You’ll learn what test scores really mean in a world of straight As, how major-level selectivity is reshaping college lists, and why live writing and video will matter more in the AI era. We’ll also cover the rise of Southern and Southwestern campuses, political climate as a factor in list building, and the growing focus on skills and outcomes.
Families will leave with specific action plans by grade level so your student can move from reacting to headlines to following a thoughtful strategy that fits who they are and where they want to go.
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Highly Selective Colleges
Applying to a highly selective college can be daunting, but if your student has their heart set on one, there are some guidelines they can follow to help them stand out from the crowd. This guide discusses what highly selective colleges look for in students, how to achieve "depth" in activities, and the importance of having a specific application strategy for the most selective schools.
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 ESM Prep College MatchPoint, we believe it should be organized, personal, and even fun, and we provide a framework that reduces the stress throughout the journey.
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Most families still picture college admissions as a human reading experience, but that picture is already outdated. In 2026, many applications will be sorted, scored, and prioritized by software before an admissions officer ever opens the file. That means clarity is no longer just helpful, it is decisive, because messy or unfocused applications often sink before a human gets a chance to advocate. Strong students are not being rejected for lack of ability, but for lack of a clear story that rises in a high-volume, AI-assisted system
College planning can often feel like following Google Maps: every turn planned, every step predictable, all aimed at one specific destination. But the journey to college isn’t a straight line — it’s more like a road trip filled with detours, discoveries, and unexpected opportunities for growth. Colleges aren’t looking for students who follow a rigid formula; they’re searching for individuals who explore their passions, embrace challenges, and reflect on their unique paths. It’s about finding meaningful destinations along the way, not just arriving at the endpoint.
When planning for college, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice about choosing a major, preparing for a career, or even understanding the job market. Many families base their decisions on assumptions that no longer reflect the realities of today’s economy. Let’s tackle five common myths about preparing for future careers when building a college list—and share actionable strategies to help your student thrive.
Parenting a teenager often feels like walking a tightrope—you want to support them while also encouraging independence. When it comes to school, the stakes can feel even higher, especially when only 25% of 10th graders say they enjoy school, compared to 75% in third grade. This disconnection can leave teens feeling overwhelmed and unmotivated. The good news is that small, intentional changes can make a big difference. One simple strategy is shifting from nagging to nudging—for example, asking, “What’s your plan for tackling your assignments tonight?” instead of “Why haven’t you done your homework?” This approach fosters independence and problem-solving while helping your teen feel respected and empowered. With patience and consistent support, you can help them move from feeling stuck to thriving in their learning journey.
Preparing for college admissions exams poses unique challenges for neurodiverse learners. But with accommodations, proper planning, access to coaching, and practice, these tests can set up your teen to shine. If your teen is motivated to invest time into preparing for standardized tests to broaden their potential college list or to increase their chances of receiving merit scholarships, here are key steps for managing the testing process.
When it comes to the highly competitive world of college admissions, every detail of a student’s high school experience matters—especially their academic choices. One of the biggest mistakes students make is skipping or dropping a core subject too early in high school. While it might seem harmless to forgo a fourth year of foreign language or to replace senior-year science with a free period, these decisions can send the wrong message to admissions officers and hurt your teen’s chances of getting into their dream college. Here’s why taking all five core subjects—English, math, science, social studies, and foreign language—for all four years of high school is essential and how skipping one can cost your teen their spot at a selective institution.