What Parents Should Know About Evolving College Admissions Requirements in 2025
- Mateo
- Aug 11
- 3 min read
If it’s been a while since you filled out a college application, brace yourself because things have changed quite a bit. Today’s admission process involves a different type of academic rigor, with AI as part of the equation.
Therefore, if you’re trying to help your teen(s) navigate college admissions, be prepared to encounter lots of things that may not make sense at first glance.
To prepare you for what’s to come, here’s a summary of the most important changes in college admissions up until now. From new testing trends to how colleges are really evaluating students (hint: it’s not just about GPAs), we’ll walk you through the key updates.
The Current Testing Landscape
Remember when the SAT or ACT was the make-or-break part of a college application? Not anymore. In 2025, the standardized testing landscape is completely different.
For once, test-optional policies have gone mainstream. As of spring 2025, over 80% of U.S. colleges are either test-optional or test-blind, according to FairTest.org. That means students are no longer required to submit SAT or ACT scores.
What’s more, both exams have had major facelifts. The SAT is now fully digital, shorter, and adaptive, meaning the test adjusts its difficulty in real time. The ACT has followed suit with digital-first formats and more flexible testing dates.
But here’s where it gets tricky: while many schools say scores are optional, some still view strong results as a plus, especially for competitive programs or scholarships. In other words, optional doesn’t always mean irrelevant.
What About AP Courses?
Advanced Placement (AP) courses have long been a reliable way to impress admissions officers. They still carry weight, don’t worry, but top colleges are more selective.
For instance, having a stack of random AP classes under your belt is no longer seen as impressive. Instead, admissions teams are looking for students who take challenging courses in subjects they’re genuinely interested in or aligned with their intended majors.
Therefore, it’s still useful to have access to an AP exam hub with reliable resources, but it’s best to prioritize depth over volume.
In Miami-Dade, high-achieving students still average 6 to 8 AP courses over their high school career, with STEM and economics among the most sought-after. But admissions counselors are becoming more vocal about avoiding burnout and focusing on academic balance.
So, don’t push your kid(s) to take on more than they can handle. It’s best to focus on helping them develop strategies and habits for a college lifestyle that prioritizes wellbeing and personal interests.
Emerging Trends Parents Should Track
The best thing to do for your soon-to-be-graduate kid(s) is to stay up to date with the latest trends in college admissions. As we’ve already mentioned, things have changed quite a lot since you were in the same position, and it’s important to adjust your worldview.
Here are a few trends to keep in mind:
Portfolio-Based Applications
Art and design schools are no longer the only ones accepting portfolios. Schools in business, tech, and media are also following suit. Colleges want to see what applicants can do, so encourage your young ones to get involved in cool things like coding projects, published writing, app prototypes, or work that has a social impact.
Direct Admissions
A growing number of colleges are offering direct admissions where students are accepted based on GPA and class rank. This trend is being used to attract high-performing students and remove friction from the process.
AI Will Most Likely Review Your Application
AI is everywhere nowadays, from HR departments to the highest decision-making forums, so it’s only natural to find a few algorithms integrated with the admission process. AI tools are screening applications, flagging trends, and helping colleges track "demonstrated interest."
How to Help as a Parent
Being informed about the latest trends is only the first step. Now that you have this valuable information, you must act on it and guide your kid(s) toward success.
Support them in building a portfolio or tangible work that showcases their strengths. Encourage curiosity-driven projects that motivate them to dig deep and learn more. Also, keep an open mind about non-traditional admissions routes, especially if they reduce stress and open doors.
Wrap Up
College admission today may not be the same as what you experienced back in the day, but with the right information and a tailored strategy, you can still guide your kid through the process. Focus on authenticity, balance, and long-term growth, and trust that your young one(s) will find their way in life.