College Admissions Trends for 2024: What’s Changing and How to Adapt

Welcome to the dog show of college admissions—a world where every applicant struts their stuff, hoping to impress the judges. In 2024, the stakes are higher, the competition fiercer, and the rules more nuanced. This year, there’s a stronger focus on essays, identity, and how students navigate the changing social and political landscape. Let’s dive into the biggest shifts and how to thrive in the chaos.

1. Test-Optional Policies Are Still Here (But They’re More Complicated Than Ever)

The pandemic’s wave of test-optional policies remains, but let’s not sugarcoat it—top scores still matter. Data from the Common App reveals that 55% of applicants submitted standardized test scores in the 2022-2023 cycle, underscoring their continued importance despite test-optional policies. For competitive schools, a stellar SAT or ACT score can elevate you above the noise, especially for merit scholarships. Schools like MIT and Georgetown have returned to requiring tests, proving that standardized testing isn’t dead yet.

How to Adapt:

If you’ve got the numbers, flaunt them. If not, focus on showcasing other strengths, like your essays and extracurriculars. For underclassmen, prepare for the possibility that test-optional policies may shift back. It’s better to have the scores in your pocket.

2. Holistic Reviews Are Evolving

With affirmative action repealed, colleges are doubling down on holistic reviews. Schools like Harvard have already stated that essays and extracurriculars will take on greater importance to assess an applicant’s full potential. Admissions offices are seeking students who bring depth, nuance, and originality to their communities.

How to Adapt:

Your essays need to go beyond the surface. Don’t just recount what you’ve done—reflect on why it matters. Did your robotics project teach you resilience? Did tutoring peers during lunch reveal your knack for leadership? Let admissions see the heart behind the accolades. Be specific, personal, and reflective.

3. Demonstrated Interest Is Key

Schools want to know you love them as much as they love themselves. Research shows that demonstrated interest has become a significant factor, particularly for mid-tier and elite schools that closely monitor applicants' engagement through virtual events, emails, and detailed "Why Us" essays. Attending virtual tours, sending emails, and writing detailed “Why Us” essays can make or break your application, particularly at schools like Tufts and Tulane.

How to Adapt:

Engage meaningfully. Name-drop professors, programs, or traditions that resonate with you. If you’re applying to Tulane, don’t just say “I love New Orleans”—mention the community engagement programs that align with your passion for public health. Be thoughtful and specific to show genuine interest.

4. The Middle Ground Is Disappearing

The Ivies remain ultra-selective, but mid-tier schools are catching up. In 2023, schools like Boston University and Northeastern saw acceptance rates drop to under 15%, rivaling some Ivy League institutions. Schools that once felt like “safeties” are now rejecting high-achieving students due to a surge in applications facilitated by the Common App, which makes applying to multiple schools easier than ever. The Common App’s convenience has resulted in a deluge of applications, creating bottlenecks across the board.

How to Adapt:

Build a balanced list that includes true safeties, solid targets, and a few reaches. Spend time on every application—even for your “safety” schools. They’re rejecting students who treat them as backups.

5. Essays Are Your MVP

With affirmative action gone, essays are more important than ever for showing your unique perspective and background. Admissions officers want to know how you think, what drives you, and how you’ll contribute to their community. Essays have climbed in importance, with data from the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) ranking them as one of the top deciding factors for selective schools.

How to Adapt:

Write essays that reveal your humanity. Instead of saying, “I’m passionate about biology,” share the story of how you’ve spent weekends testing water quality in local streams. Admissions officers aren’t looking for robots—they’re looking for storytellers who can convey authenticity and depth.

6. DEI Is Still a Priority

Despite political shifts, diversity, equity, and inclusion remain core values for many institutions. Schools like UC Berkeley and the University of Michigan have long operated without affirmative action and use holistic reviews to maintain diverse student bodies. Colleges want students who bring different perspectives and are ready to engage in meaningful dialogue.

How to Adapt:

If your background has shaped your worldview, share it. Show how your experiences have prepared you to contribute to a diverse community. Be specific about the challenges you’ve faced and how they’ve made you stronger. Use your essays to highlight your voice and resilience.

7. Legacy Admissions Are Under Fire

The Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action has put a spotlight on legacy admissions. Legacy preferences are increasingly under scrutiny, and while some schools have eliminated them, they remain influential at many elite private institutions. But at many elite institutions, legacy status still matters.

How to Adapt:

If you’re a legacy, highlight your connection subtly in your essays. For example, share how your family’s experiences at the school have influenced your goals. If you’re not a legacy, focus on your unique contributions and avoid comparisons.

8. AI in Admissions: Proceed with Caution

Tools like ChatGPT are tempting, but over-reliance is risky. Admissions officers have a keen sense for authenticity, and AI-generated essays often lack the personal touch. Data reveals growing concern among admissions officers, with 30% reporting skepticism about AI-generated application materials, emphasizing the need for authenticity.

How to Adapt:

Use AI as a brainstorming tool, but keep your voice front and center. Your essays should reflect your experiences and personality, not a chatbot’s algorithm. Authenticity always wins.

Final Thoughts: It’s About Fit, Not Perfection

College admissions in 2024 are a reflection of the times: complex, high-stakes, and deeply personal. Schools aren’t just looking for perfect stats—they’re looking for thinkers, doers, and changemakers who will thrive in their communities.

At Top Dog, we help you showcase the qualities that make you unforgettable. From crafting essays that move admissions officers to building a school list that fits your goals, we’re here to make sure you’re not just applying—you’re standing out. Let’s get you from applicant to admitted with confidence.