Class of 2025 First Look- Increase in Early Decision Admits

2nd in a series of 3

High-quality admissions data is critical to the success of any data-driven college planning process. While we cannot predict the future, we can use historical data to put events in context. At CPC, we've partnered with College Kickstart to stay on top of the latest admissions data to help students and parents navigate the process through information vs. emotion.

Recently, the team at College Kickstart invited us to join a partner roundtable, where they shared their first look at Class of 2025 results and implications for the upcoming application cycle. While the data is preliminary, we wanted to share with you some of the important insights we took away from the session.

Let's talk about the Class of 2025 through the lens of reported Early Decision results and which schools appeared to lean more heavily on Early Decision to fill their classes this cycle. For the schools below, the average increase in ED mix for this year was 4%. When schools are already working on thin margins for roster spots plus feeding 2024 Gap Year students into their 2025 class, (Dartmouth, Duke, Princeton, and Williams to name a few) regular decision was a tough admit for many students.

Takeaways so far:

• Preparing for, taking, and doing well on the test is still the best play

• With test-optional policies continuing for most schools in the upcoming application cycle, expect applications volumes to stay high

• Adopt a more conservative school list - certain selective schools are turning very selective due to increased application volume and/or a higher lean towards early decision applications - Bucknell University, Boston College, Colgate University

• Flagship Public Universities may not be an easy admit if students continue to hedge bets for lower-cost alternatives to private schools

• Keep early applications on the front burner - while we recognize a binding contract may not always be the best option, schools are widening the gap between early and regular decision

If you'd like more information on Early Decision and what might be right for your student, schedule a no-obligation chat with us.