What This Year’s College Admissions Results Reveal for Future Applicants

Experts who guide applications—and the admissions officers who read them—can explain what changed and what it means for your student.

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First, understand what happened. Then learn what to do next.

The Reality Check: What the 2026 Admissions Results Really Show

Monday, May 4 | 7pm ET

A data-driven breakdown of what changed in the 2026 admissions cycle—and what those shifts mean for families planning ahead.

We’ll Explore
  • Shifts in acceptance rates across selective colleges
  • The growing impact of Early Decision
  • When test scores helped—and when they mattered less
  • How intended major influenced admissions outcomes
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Can’t join us live? Sign up anyway and we’ll send you the recording

Hear from our experts who have guided hundreds of students through the admissions process.
Lisa Bain Carlton
25+ years as a college counselor
Bob Carlton
30+ years of higher education experience
Amanda Edelhart
20+ years as a college counselor
Jed Applerouth
Nationally recognized test prep expert

The Game Plan: What Actually Matters for Your Student in College Admissions

Wednesday, May 6 | 7pm ET

Admissions leaders explain how applications are evaluated—and how students can make thoughtful, personalized decisions as they prepare for the next admissions cycle.

We’ll Explore
  • Test-optional vs. test-preferred policies
  • How colleges view AI in applications
  • The role of intended major and academic direction
  • Why depth in extracurriculars matters
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Can’t join us live? Sign up anyway and we’ll send you the recording

Hear from admissions officers who read your students’ applications
Ashley Templeton
University of Georgia
Carol Lee Conchar
George Washington University
Laura Robitaille
University of Wisconsin
Michael McGrath
Syracuse University

Why This Admissions Cycle Felt So Unpredictable

Early Decision data points to major shifts in admissions.
Testing Is Separating Applicants
↑ 11% Score Submission

‍‍More high-achieving students are submitting SAT/ACT scores again.

Application Inflation Continues
9.19M Applications Submitted

Students now apply to 6.5 colleges on average, pushing admit rates lower.

Early Applications Define Outcomes
65% Applied Early

Many selective colleges fill 45–60% of seats before Regular Decision.

Selectivity Remains Extremely High
MIT 3.96% · Yale 4.46%

Elite Admit Rates Stay Low

Webinar Series

Understand the Results. Build the Strategy.

Join both sessions to see what changed in the 2026 admissions cycle—and how students can plan smarter for the next one.

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Need personalized guidance?

Schedule a consultation with an Applerouth Program Director or call (866)-789-PREP (7737).

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