How to Shine in the New Era of College Applications

What if the future of college admissions is test-optional and AI-driven? Join me, Cleopatra, as we explore this groundbreaking shift in the 2024 admissions landscape on the East Coast College Admissions Podcast. Discover everything you need to know about navigating the increasingly complex world of college applications. With elite institutions like NYU and the University of Virginia embracing flexible test policies and record-breaking application numbers, it's more important than ever to understand how to make your application shine. We'll dive into the importance of demonstrated interest, the nuances of early decision versus early action, and how to craft a standout application in this competitive field.

You'll hear insights on the growing focus on holistic admissions and how personal stories of resilience and adaptability can set you apart. As diversity, equity, and inclusion become a cornerstone of the admissions process, learn about expanded outreach, scholarships for underrepresented students, and the diminishing role of legacy preferences. Plus, we'll tackle the rise of AI in the application process and how to maintain your authentic voice amidst these technological advances. Grab your notebook, and get ready to conquer college admissions with confidence and clarity!

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:09):
Welcome back everyone to another episode of the East
Coast College Admissions Podcast.
I'm Cleopatra, and today we arediving into a topic that's on
every parent and student'sreader admission trends and
insights for 2024 and beyond.
With the landscape of collegeadmissions is shifting every
year, it's now more importantthan ever to stay up to date on
new policies and trends.

(00:30):
So, whether you're a highschool student preparing for
applications, a parent trying tounderstand these changes or
just curious about what's nextin admissions, this episode is
for you Grab a notebook, becauseyou've got a lot to cover.
Is for you.
Grab a notebook, because you'vegot a lot to cover.
First up, test optional policies.

(00:50):
Many East Coast colleges,including major players like NYU
, the University of Virginia andTaft, have extended their test
optional status, some even morepermanently.
But what does test optionalreally mean?
It gives students the choice tosubmit SAT or ACT scores or not
.
This shift is designed toreduce barriers to ASCII, but

(01:13):
there is a catch Students needto decide whether submitting
scores will benefit theapplication or not.
Test optional doesn't alwaysmean test blind, and if you've
got great scores, they can stillshred in your application.
On the flip side, ifstandardized testing isn't your
thing, other parts of theapplication become even more
important, like essay,extracurriculars and letters of
recommendation.

(01:35):
Next, let's talk about the surgein application numbers.
Schools on the East Coast,especially competitive ones like
Boston University andNortheastern, are seeing
record-breaking numbers ofapplicants.
In 2023 alone, some schoolsreported application increases
of 15 to 20 percent.
So what does this mean forstudents?
Well, unfortunately, it'stougher than ever to stand out.

(01:56):
Schools are receiving moreapplications, but aren't
necessarily increasing thenumber of admitted students.
This trend is leading studentsto apply to more schools just to
hedge their bets.
As a result, colleges arerelying even more on
demonstrated interest.
So make sure that you areattending virtual info sessions,
going on campus tours andopening those emails from

(02:17):
admissions department.
Now here's an important oneEarly decision and early action,
which is becoming even morepopular than ever.
In fact, some East Coast schoolsare filling almost 50% of their
incoming classes through earlydecision.
For students who are certainabout their top choice, early
decision can boost their chances, but remember it's binding,

(02:37):
which means if you get accepted,you are committed to attending.
On the other hand, early actiongives you the chance to apply
early without a bindingagreement, giving you more
flexibility to compare financialaid packages.
Schools like the University ofMiami and Georgetown, offer
these options, and applyingearly can show that you are
serious about attending.

(02:58):
As more schools go testoptional, we are seeing a shift
towards holistic admissionsreviews.
This means that colleges arelooking at students as a whole
your academic performance,extracurricular activities,
leadership roles, personalessays and more.
Schools are particularlyinterested in how students have
navigated challenges, especiallyduring the pandemic.

(03:18):
Did you pick up a new skill?
Started a community project?
These personal stories are moreimportant than ever in the
admissions process.
Colleges want to see not justwho you are as a student, but
also who you are as a personyour resilience, curiosity and
ability to adapt.
Another major trend shapingadmissions is the increased
focus on diversity, equality andinclusion.

(03:41):
Dei Many East Coast schools areactively working to create more
diverse and inclusive studentbodies.
This includes expandingoutreach to first-generation
students, increasingscholarships for
underrepresented groups andremoving barriers like legacy
preferences.
Expect to see more schoolsembracing need-aware or
need-blind admission policiesand improving support for
marginalized communities.
Admission policies andimproving support for

(04:02):
marginalized communities.
If you're a first-gen studentor come from an underrepresented
background, keep an eye onscholarship programs
specifically designed for you.
There are more of them outthere than ever Now here's a
futuristic twist the role of AIin admissions.
With the rise of AI tools likeChatGPT, there's growing concern

(04:24):
about how students write theiressays and complete applications
.
Some schools are exploring waysto ensure personal authenticity
in applications, like requiringin-person writing samples or
additional short responsequestions to prevent
over-reliance on AI.
That said, ai tools can stillbe helpful in the brainstorming
and revision stages.

(04:44):
Just remember your voice iswhat colleges want to hear.
Use technology as a tool anddon't let it replace your unique
perspective.
Another key trend is the focuson mental health and student
well-being.
Colleges are starting torealize that academic success is
only a part of the equation.
Students are looking forschools that prioritize mental

(05:06):
health resources, fromcounseling services to wellness
programs.
Many East Coast schools,including Duke and Amherst, are
investing heavily in mentalhealth initiatives.
Drawing your college set, it'simportant to ask about things
like mental health support, peermentorship programs and stress
management resources.
The transition to college isexciting, but also really

(05:26):
challenging, so it's importantto find a school that supports
you beyond academics.
So what's next?
Beyond 2024, we'll likely seefurther shift towards flexible
admissions policies, with moreemphasis on individual growth
and potential rather thantraditional metrics.
Schools may also place greatervalue on community involvement

(05:46):
and non-traditional learningexperiences like internships,
gap years or evenmicro-credentials.
The focus on DEI and mentalhealth will continue to evolve
and, as technology advances, wemay see more innovations in the
way students apply and learn,more innovations in the way

(06:07):
students apply and learn.
One thing's for sure collegeadmissions will keep changing
and staying informed will giveyou a major advantage.
All right, folks.
That wraps up today's deep diveinto admission trends and
insights for 2024 and beyond.
I hope this episode gave yousome clarity on the changes
happening in the admissionsworld and how you can best
prepare.
The key takeaway stay flexible,do your research and put your

(06:31):
best self forward in every partof your application.
Remember you've got options and, no matter what happens, the
right college is out there foryou.
If you found today's episodehelpful, don't forget to
subscribe, leave a review andshare with a friend or fellow
student and, as always, feelfree to reach us out on social
media and check out our blog formore tips on navigating East

(06:54):
Coast College Admissions.
If you've got questions, I'dlove to answer them in a future
episode.
Thank you so much for tuninginto the East Coast College
Admissions Podcast.
Until next time, happy applyingand good luck with your college
research.