Episode notes
The 2025–2026 admissions cycle brought record-breaking application numbers, growing waitlists, increased deferrals, and valuable lessons for future applicants. In this episode, we reflect on key trends from this year's admissions landscape and discuss what students can learn from those outcomes as they prepare for their own college journey.
We dive into the numbers behind one of the most competitive cycles yet, including the University of California system receiving more than 252,000 applications and Common App reporting 1.4 million first-year applicants. We also discuss the rise in waitlists, deferrals, and spring semester admissions programs at universities such as Case Western Reserve and Ohio State.
We explore what we observed among successful applicants, including the role of standardized testing, academic rigor, extracurricular involvement, and essays. While strong test scores can open doors—especially for BS/MD programs and highly selective universities—we share examples of students who found success through test-optional pathways. We also discuss why course rigor, intellectual curiosity, and thoughtful academic planning often matter more than chasing the highest possible GPA.
You'll hear how the strongest applicants built cohesive application narratives by connecting their research, volunteer work, leadership experiences, and personal interests. From Alzheimer's research paired with nursing home volunteering to cardiovascular health initiatives tied to cultural identity, we'll discuss how students can create authentic and compelling applications that stand out.
We also cover the importance of starting essays early, maintaining strong senior-year grades, building a balanced college list, and resisting the pressure to follow what everyone else is doing. Most importantly, we discuss why students should pursue activities and opportunities that genuinely matter to them rather than simply checking boxes for admissions.
Whether you're just beginning the college admissions process or preparing your final applications, this episode offers practical insights and takeaways from one of the most competitive admissions cycles on record.