🎓 What Parents Should Know About the Upcoming College Application Year (2025–2026)

As the 2025–2026 college admissions cycle begins, many families are already feeling the pressure. For parents of rising high school seniors, this is a pivotal year—and understanding the changing landscape of college applications is key to helping your student succeed without being overwhelmed.

Here’s a breakdown of what parents need to know to stay informed, organized, and supportive throughout this process.

🗓️ Important Dates and Deadlines

Mark your calendars—these milestones matter:

• Common App Opens: August 1, 2025

• FAFSA Opens: Expected in October 2025 (official date still pending)

• Early Action/Early Decision Deadlines: October–November 2025

• Regular Decision Deadlines: January 1–15, 2026

• Financial Aid Priority Deadlines: Usually between December 2025 and February 2026

• College Decision Day: May 1, 2026

Tip: Start gathering documents (transcripts, test scores, letters of recommend, and tax returns) early so you’re not scrambling when deadlines hit.

🧪 The SAT/ACT Landscape Is Still Shifting

Test-optional policies remain widespread, but the trend may be reversing at selective institutions. Schools like MIT and Dartmouth have reinstated testing requirements, citing predictive value in student success.

What this means for your student:

• Don’t assume tests aren’t needed. Check every college’s policy.

• Encourage testing in summer or early fall of senior year (if not already done).

• Consider superscoring policies, which let colleges use the best section scores from multiple test dates.

  
  

🧾 FAFSA Changes: What You Should Know

Last year’s FAFSA overhaul brought new terminology and unexpected delays. The updated Student Aid Index (SAI) replaces the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), and families now submit fewer questions—but must link IRS data directly.

For 2025:

• FAFSA is expected in October, but stay alert—delays could return and there are significant changes expected at the Department of Education.

• Use colleges’ Net Price Calculators to estimate costs early.

• Stay in touch with financial aid offices as preferred institutions - they are on the front lines of navigating federal and state funding and they want your student....

  
  

✍️ Essays in the Age of AI

With ChatGPT and other AI tools widely available, colleges are looking for authentic student voices more than ever. Many institutions are adding questions or using software to flag AI-generated content.

Encourage your student to:

• Start early and write their own drafts

• Reflect deeply on personal experiences and growth

• Use AI only for brainstorming—not full writing

• Present a personal perspective

📊 The Application Boom Continues

Application numbers are up nationwide, which makes it harder to predict outcomes, but that doesn’t mean your student is out of luck. Applications are also up for scholarships which private options are dwindling. Start early, apply to everything even remotely related to preferred school, program or degree.

• Build a balanced college list with reach, match, and likely options

• Focus on fit, not just rankings

• Highlight unique strengths in essays and activities

• Keep an eye on "free application opportunities" and apply to as many schools as you are likely to attend - you never know how financial aid packages will shake out

  
  

💰 Financial Planning Tips for Families

College affordability is often the biggest concern.

Be proactive:

• Discuss budget and financial boundaries before applications are sent

• Research merit scholarships, which often require separate applications - institutional money will likely require a FAFSA on file!

• Submit FAFSA + CSS Profile (if required) early to maximize aid opportunities

Some schools award aid on a first-come, first-served basis—so time matters.

✅ A Parent’s Checklist for the Year Ahead

Here’s how to stay supportive without taking over:

• Track application deadlines using a shared calendar

• Support test prep or test-free strategy, based on college list

• Review financial documents in advance of FAFSA season

• Visit campuses (in-person or virtually)

• Encourage independence—this is your student’s journey

• Stay grounded—college is just the beginning, not the end goal

Can I help with your essays and applications? Feel free to reach out for a consult - August is nearly here and booked!