In the upcoming weeks, many high school seniors will return to the classroom. Others return to school after Labor Day. With the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and test-optional requirements, a high GPA and solid test scores are no longer enough to guarantee admission into top schools—or even the right-fit schools.
As acceptance rates drop and competition increases, families are realizing they need more than academic credentials to help their student stand out. Volunteering in the community, serving on club or school governance, participating in athletics and many other activities not only help our next generation grow, these activities build well-rounded freshmen on college campuses.
I recently read Beyond the GPA: How to Give Your Student an Edge with College Admissions (2023) by Susie Watts and cannot recommend enough! For my rising senior families, snag a copy to peruse while your student is pulling application materials together.
The College Admission Essay
🧠 Strategic Insights - College admissions offices read thousands of applications. Watts reinforces what myself and other consultants saw with last year's admissions: essays need to be personal. Your main essay needs to tell a cohesive, compelling story about strengths, passions, and character, not in that order and definitely not all about academic achievements.
Authenticity Over AI
About one-third of applicants used generative AI (e.g. ChatGPT) on their essays in 2023–24. Speaking from first-hand experience reading essays, AI‑assisted essays are not authentic. They often feel sterile, overly generic, and lacking real identity.
Be aware that admissions officers are increasingly scrutinizing essays, reviewing portfolios of past student writing with teacher feedback, and may require video/audio submissions to verify true voice. *Note: I have not experienced the latter, however, I'm certain this is coming...
There are some ethical AI uses that ARE acceptable. Consider using ChatGPT or Co-Pilot for brainstorming, outlining, or proofreading; however, your written content should come directly from your own experience and using personal experience and reflection.
🌱 Holistic Admissions Approach - The majority of schools are looking beyond grades and test scores; colleges want to know who your student is. From extracurriculars and leadership roles to community service and character, present a well-rounded picture of your student for the team reviewing applications.
🎯 Test-Optional - Most U.S. colleges (80%+) were still test‑optional or test‑blind for the Fall 2025 cycle
At least ~2,015 institutions are test‑optional and another 85+ are test‑free, meaning they do not consider scores at all
Nearly two-thirds have made test‑optional policies permanent, while many others remain optional through 2025 or longer
Check your school's website to verify admission requirements, speak to an admissions rep or high school counselor...OR, send me a message and I am happy to check for you!
Final Thoughts?
Start writing early! The sooner you have a draft and final copy written, the more relaxed you'll feel about sending applications in early. I am highly recommending early submissions to snag any early admits. With all of the uncertainty surrounding federal funding, Department of Education guidelines and state funding...get those apps in early to receive your finanicial package. Then, you'll have plenty of time to compare offers.
Need help with your college essays or navigating the admissions process? Please contact me! I am booking appointments for September and October 2025 to assist with graduating seniors and rising juniors (class of 2027).
