High School Seniors Navigate College Decisions Amid Changing Admissions Trends
As high school seniors across the country finalize their college commitments, many are grappling with a rapidly changing admissions process. With increasing competition at formerly considered “Safety Schools” and financial concerns playing a major role, students are facing a variety of challenges in their decision making process.
A trend is the increasing competitiveness of college admissions. Schools like Rutgers University, which were previously viewed as reliable safety options, are now more selective than ever. “We’re seeing that a lot of colleges are receiving record numbers of applications, making admissions decisions more competitive across the board,” a high school guidance counselor explained. “Students can no longer assume certain schools are guaranteed acceptances.”
Another major factor influencing college decisions is financial aid. Many students delay their commitments until they receive their financial aid packages, which have been released later than usual this year. “Financial aid is a big part of the conversation for many families,” the guidance counselor added. “Since the FAFSA release date was pushed from October 1st to December 1st, students are getting their aid information much later, which makes it harder to make an informed decision.”
For some students, these financial concerns have led them to explore alternative paths, such as community college or gap years. “For many students, community college becomes a big part of the conversation because of money,” the guidance counselor noted. “Some see it as a way to save on tuition or improve their GPA before transferring to a four-year university.”
A highschool senior Rik Ahmadi shared that his decision was based on factors such as location and tuition costs. “Since I want to go to dental school, only one college I applied to had a pre-dental program, making the decision extremely easy for me in the end,” he said. Meanwhile, senior Viviana Park prioritized location in her decision-making process. “I wanted to be in a city and not have a traditional college experience,” she explained.
While financial aid was not a major factor for Rik and Viviana, it has been crucial for many other students. “Some students wait for financial aid packages before committing, and because those come out late, it adds more uncertainty to the process,” the guidance counselor said.
For students placed on waitlists, the process can be even more stressful. “Being on a waitlist isn’t a flat-out denial, but students don’t find out until after the May 1st deposit deadline,” the counselor explained. “That can make it hard to plan.”
Despite these challenges, many students remain optimistic about their decisions. “I’m excited because this is a new chapter in my life and a chance to explore a new location,” Rik said. Viviana added, “I’m more confident now because I don’t have to worry about college applications anymore, but I know mid-year grades are still important.”
For future seniors, both students had valuable advice. “Dont assume a school is out of reach. If you really want to go somewhere, the worst thing they can say is no,” Rik said. Viviana emphasized the importance of preparation. “Try to do as much as you can in the summer, ask your English teachers and trusted people to review your essays, and don’t compare yourself to others.”
As the college admissions process is increasingly complex. Guidance counselors continue to reassure students that it’s okay to be uncertain. “This is a big decision, but there’s no single right answer,” the counselor concluded. “Plans can always change, and that’s okay.”
For now, high school seniors are taking their next big steps, some with excitement, and some with uncertainty, but all with the hope that they are making the right choice for their future.
image credits: Lucas Rosario ’25
