Tara Mier for Scholarship Institute

Mastering the college application process

The 2024-2025 admissions cycle flipped the script. Application surges, shifting test policies, and AI tools have reshaped how colleges choose students.

For applicants in 2025-2026, it’s more competitive, but also full of opportunity. Scholarship Institute compiled a college application guide to help you work the system, not get worked by it. The rules, both official and unwritten, are changing fast, but staying on top of timelines and putting effort into every part of your college application can help pave the way for success.

What’s really going on?

Colleges are drowning in applications. According to Common App data released in March 2025, student applicants are up 4%, and total applications are up 6%.

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