College Admissions Updates

The rules just changed. Again.

A wave of recent announcements is reshaping the 2026-2027 application cycle. Here is what every student and family needs to know right now.

Testing

Yale goes test-required

After 6 years, 4 test-optional, then 2 test-flexible, Yale now requires the SAT or ACT for admission effective this fall.

UC faculty demand testing back

800+ University of California professors, including 7 of 9 math department chairs signed an open letter citing a nearly 30-fold increase in students with below-high-school math skills. They are calling for SAT/ACT reinstatement for STEM applicants by 2027.

More SEC schools are on their way back to Test Required

Auburn requires all applicants as of fall 2026 to submit scores, and University of Alabama does for those with a GPA below a 3.0. LSU starts to phase out their test-optional policy for applicants in the fall of 2027 for any applicant with a GPA below a 3.5.

Learning from The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University returned to testing this past cycle knowing that application volume would decline. Applications did decline, although overall numbers have not been released.

Early decision expansion

University of Florida

Adding binding ED for Fall 2027. Deadline Oct. 15, decisions by Dec. 11. Apply as early as Aug. 1.

Florida State

Adding binding ED open to all domestic applicants (not just FL residents). Deadline Oct. 15, decisions Dec. 17.

Learning from University of Michigan

When the University of Michigan added binding Early Decision for the first time this past cycle, total applications surged to a record 115,000 and the overall acceptance rate is projected to fall to approximately 12.5%, its lowest point in school history. Michigan's move confirmed what admissions data has long suggested: when a highly sought-after public university offers a binding commitment option, serious applicants use it, particularly out-of-state students who need every strategic advantage they can find. UF and FSU are following that same playbook, and families should expect a similar dynamic, Early Decision will likely produce meaningfully higher admit rates for those who commit early, while Regular Decision becomes an increasingly competitive pool.

Essay changes

Tulane drops "Why Tulane?"

Effective 2026-27 cycle. The essay that was "optional but strongly recommended" is gone entirely.

UGA drops supplemental Book essay

For Class of 2031, UGA will require only the Common App personal statement. UGA stated one essay "gives us what we need."

Washington University in St Louis is also making changes

Adding non-binding Early Action for 2026-27, in addition to existing Early Decision I, II and Regular Decision options, alongside dropping its optional essay about your intended major and has begun tracking and considering demonstrated interest.

Learning from what happened at UVA

When UVA dropped its supplemental essay last cycle, applications surged to a record 82,089, a 27% increase in a single cycle, making an already selective school significantly harder to get into. That is the largest single-year increase in UVA's history. The impact on admissions rate was direct. UVA admitted 10,287 students for an overall 12.53% acceptance rate, down from 16.8% the year before. Tulane, WashU, and UGA may be next.

Lower barriers to apply = more applications = lower acceptance rates

What all of this means for your family

Testing

The test-optional era is changing at both elite, and large public universities. Schools are changing requirements quickly, and it pays to be prepared. A strong SAT or ACT can help strengthen your application at a test-optional school, and for test-required schools, it is tablestakes.

ED strategy

Binding Early Decision at UF and FSU will likely yield higher admit rates especially for out-of-state students. However, Early Decision locks you in before comparing financial aid packages. Know your numbers before you commit.

Essays

Dropping supplementals signals that UGA, WashU and Tulane may receive a surge in applications. Be prepared! Put your best effort into all of the areas of the application where you can showcase your personality, including the personal statement, the activities list, and if offered, an interview or Glimpse video.