Recent College Admission Trends and What to Know about T20 Schools

🎥 Recent College Admission Trends and What to Know about T20 Schools

⏱️ Duration: 49:00
🔗 Watch on YouTube

📚 Video Chapters (10 chapters):

• Welcome and why college admissions has changed - 0:00
• Early action and early decision breakdown - 2:00
• The rise of waitlists and how colleges use them strategically - 6:00
• SAT versus ACT... and which schools now require testing - 9:00
• What “fit” really means at competitive schools - 12:00
• How soft factors can outweigh resume stats - 15:00
• The return of SAT at places like MIT, Yale, and Stanford - 18:00
• Strategic planning if your junior year wasn’t strong - 21:00
• The danger of relying on outdated admissions beliefs - 24:00
• Final mindset shifts that set competitive applicants apart - 27:00

Overview

This video, hosted by Coach David, provides a comprehensive guide to the latest
trends and strategies in college admissions, with a particular focus on top 20
universities. Structured into 10 chapters, the presentation takes viewers from
understanding the shifting landscape of college admissions through actionable
tactics, strategic planning, and crucial mindset shifts necessary to become a
competitive applicant. Each chapter builds upon the previous, weaving together
insights on admissions policy changes, standardized testing, holistic fit, and
strategic application planning to form a complete narrative for students and
parents navigating today's competitive admissions environment.

Chapter-by-Chapter Deep Dive

Welcome and why college admissions has changed (00:00)

• Core Concepts:
  The college admissions landscape—especially for top 20 schools—has become
  increasingly competitive and unpredictable, with yearly shifts in trends and
  policies. The speaker sets the stage by acknowledging parents' and students'
  confusion due to record-breaking cycles and introduces the "big four" trends to
  be covered.
• Key Insights:
• Admissions are more competitive every year.
• Trends and policies are shifting rapidly, necessitating up-to-date knowledge.
• Actionable Advice:
  Stay informed about the latest trends and start planning early.
• Connections:
  This chapter frames the urgency and context for the subsequent deep dives into
  specific admissions strategies.

Early action and early decision breakdown (02:00)

• Core Concepts:
  Early admission options—Early Action (EA), Restrictive/Single Choice Early
  Action (REA/SCEA), and Early Decision (ED)—are crucial tools in the application
  process.
• Key Insights:
• EA is least restrictive; ED is binding.
• Applying early can significantly boost chances at competitive schools.
• Many top admits come from early rounds.
• Actionable Advice:
• Consider applying early if your profile is strong.
• Use company-offered resources (like accelerators) to prepare early applications.
• Examples:
  Real student examples of early admits to Penn, MIT, Cornell, and Notre Dame.
• Connections:
  Sets up the importance of timing and strategic application, which is further
  explored in context with waitlists and holistic fit.

The rise of waitlists and how colleges use them strategically (06:00)

• Core Concepts:
  Colleges are expanding their use of waitlists, often using them as enrollment
  management tools.
• Key Insights:
• Waitlists at some schools now include thousands of students.
• More students are both being waitlisted and accepted from waitlists.
• Actionable Advice:
• Don’t be discouraged by a waitlist; movement is increasing.
• Understand that admissions statistics are less reliable as more schools withhold data.
• Examples:
  The shift from smaller to larger waitlists, and colleges’ desire to secure
  committed students.
• Connections:
  Highlights the value of applying early (EA/ED) to avoid the uncertainty of
  waitlists.

SAT versus ACT... and which schools now require testing (09:00)

• Core Concepts:
  Standardized testing policies are in flux, with colleges falling into
  test-blind, test-optional, or test-required categories.
• Key Insights:
• UCs and CSUs are test-blind (don’t consider scores).
• Many other schools are test-optional, but “test-preferred” is emerging.
• Submitting strong scores is usually advantageous.
• Actionable Advice:
• Research each target school’s policy.
• Only send scores where encouraged or required.
• Warnings:
  Don’t try to circumvent test-blind policies by submitting scores through
  loopholes.
• Connections:
  Prepares viewers for the discussion on the reemergence of testing at elite
  schools.

What “fit” really means at competitive schools (12:00)

• Core Concepts:
  “Fit” is about alignment between a student’s values, interests, and what the
  college community seeks—not just about academic stats or rankings.
• Key Insights:
• Colleges want applicants who contribute uniquely to campus culture.
• Initiative, authentic impact, and alignment with school values are key.
• Actionable Advice:
• Research colleges deeply to tailor applications (especially essays) to demonstrate fit.
• Leadership is about creating change, not just holding titles.
• Examples:
  Stanford values community engagement; applicants must show evidence of similar
  commitment.
• Connections:
  Lays the foundation for understanding how soft factors and extracurriculars
  influence outcomes.

How soft factors can outweigh resume stats (15:00)

• Core Concepts:
  Activities, interests, and “soft” components often tip the scales when academics
  are comparable.
• Key Insights:
• Authenticity and differentiation are crucial.
• Balance between academic and non-academic interests is valued.
• Impact and efficiency in extracurriculars matter more than sheer quantity.
• Actionable Advice:
• Seek meaningful roles and create measurable impact.
• Strive for 30+ activity hours per week, but do so efficiently.
• Examples:
  Case study: A student who scaled a coding program to impact hundreds, leveraging
  leadership efficiently.
• Connections:
  Builds on the “fit” discussion, emphasizing the importance of unique
  contributions over standardized profiles.

The return of SAT at places like MIT, Yale, and Stanford (18:00)

• Core Concepts:
  Top schools are reinstating SAT/ACT requirements, and even “test-optional”
  schools are often “test-preferred.”
• Key Insights:
• MIT, Yale, Stanford, and others now require tests again.
• Public universities like UT Austin, Georgia Tech, and Purdue are following suit.
• Only ~20% of schools require tests, but the number is growing.
• Actionable Advice:
• Prepare for the possibility of required testing at target schools.
• Take practice tests (SAT and ACT) after completing Algebra II/Trig to determine the best fit.
• Warnings:
  Policy changes can happen late in the cycle; stay alert.
• Connections:
  Updates the viewer on the practical need for standardized test preparation.

Strategic planning if your junior year wasn’t strong (21:00)

• Core Concepts:
  There are strategies for students whose academic records dipped in junior year.
• Key Insights:
• Strong test scores can compensate for some academic flaws (within reason).
• Some schools may value upward grade trends in senior year.
• Actionable Advice:
• If junior year grades are weak, consider applying regular decision to show improved senior grades.
• Choose between SAT/ACT based on personal strengths—a high SAT/ACT can mitigate a “not hot” semester, but not a disastrous one.
• Examples:
  Explanation of SAT (tricky) vs. ACT (fast-paced) to help students choose.
• Connections:
  Reinforces the need for self-awareness and adaptability in the application
  process.

The danger of relying on outdated admissions beliefs (24:00)

• Core Concepts:
  Admissions policies and practices are changing rapidly; old advice may be
  harmful.
• Key Insights:
• Schools may change test policies late in the admissions cycle.
• Relying on outdated or incomplete information can cause missed opportunities.
• Actionable Advice:
• Prepare for all possible scenarios (e.g., take tests even if not currently required for all targets).
• Take practice tests after Algebra II/Trig to plan a testing strategy.
• Warnings:
• Don’t wait too long to adapt to new policies.
• Avoid studying for both SAT and ACT—choose one.
• Connections:
  Encourages ongoing vigilance and adaptability, tying into the mindset shifts in
  the next chapter.

Final mindset shifts that set competitive applicants apart (27:00)

• Core Concepts:
  Mindset and authenticity are fundamental differentiators in today’s admissions
  process.
• Key Insights:
• Top schools are looking for authentic, self-driven students who can articulate their unique contributions.
• Use AI as a tool, not as the author of your essays.
• Parents should serve as sounding boards, not ghostwriters.
• Actionable Advice:
• Be the primary voice in application essays.
• Use AI for brainstorming, not for final drafts.
• Pursue financial aid even if you think you won’t qualify.
• Examples:
  Financial aid strategies for families making up to $500k/year.
• Connections:
  Synthesizes all previous chapters, emphasizing self-awareness, adaptability, and
  authenticity as keys to standing out.

Cross-Chapter Synthesis

• Adaptability & Up-to-Date Knowledge:
  The need to stay informed and adapt quickly appears throughout (Chapters 1, 4,
  7, 9). Outdated assumptions about testing, admissions policies, and what
  colleges want can undermine a student’s chances.
• Strategic Planning:
  Early planning (Chapters 2, 3, 8) and knowing when to apply early versus
  regular, and how to balance test scores with grades, are recurring themes.
• Holistic Student Profile:
  “Fit,” soft factors, and authentic engagement (Chapters 5, 6) are as important,
  if not more so, than test scores and GPA.
• Efficiency & Impact:
  Maximizing the effect of extracurriculars by building scalable, efficient
  programs (Chapter 6) is repeatedly emphasized.
• Mindset & Authenticity:
  The final chapters (9, 10) stress that a growth mindset, willingness to adapt,
  and authentic self-presentation are what set applicants apart.

Progressive Learning Path

1. Context Setting:
   Begins with a high-level overview of why admissions have changed.
2. Strategic Entry Points:
   Explains early application strategies and their growing importance.
3. Navigating Uncertainty:
   Introduces the strategic use of waitlists and the unpredictability of admissions
   stats.
4. Policy Awareness:
   Details how testing policies are shifting and what that means for applicants.
5. Holistic Applicant Development:
   Moves into the meaning of “fit” and how to demonstrate it.
6. Building Distinction:
   Explores the importance of soft factors, impact, and efficient engagement.
7. Practical Adjustments:
   Discusses how to respond to the return of test requirements and strategic
   planning for weaker academic periods.
8. Avoiding Pitfalls:
   Warns against relying on outdated advice or incomplete preparation.
9. Cultivating Winning Mindsets:
   Concludes with the attitudes, authenticity, and self-driven approaches that
   characterize successful applicants.

Key Takeaways & Insights

• Admissions are more competitive and less predictable than ever (Ch. 1, 3).
• Early application (EA/ED) is a powerful tool, but requires careful strategy (Ch. 2, 3).
• Test policies are in flux; always verify with each school and prepare for last-minute changes (Ch. 4, 7, 9).
• “Fit” is about alignment of values, interests, and contributions—not just stats (Ch. 5, 6).
• Soft factors and authentic, impactful extracurriculars can outweigh raw academic credentials (Ch. 6).
• Testing (SAT/ACT) is making a comeback at elite schools; preparing now is wise (Ch. 7).
• If academics faltered, show upward trends and/or strong test scores (Ch. 8).
• Outdated advice is dangerous; stay current and flexible (Ch. 9).
• Mindset, authenticity, and self-driven engagement are crucial to standing out (Ch. 10).
• Financial aid is available for more families than most realize; don’t count yourself out (Ch. 10).

Actionable Strategies by Chapter

Ch. 1:
- Stay up-to-date on admissions trends.
- Begin preparations early.

Ch. 2:
- Consider early action/decision if your record is strong.
- Use accelerators or preparatory programs to get ahead.

Ch. 3:
- Don’t be discouraged by waitlists; respond promptly and positively if waitlisted.

Ch. 4:
- Research each school’s testing policy.
- Send scores only where encouraged or required.

Ch. 5:
- Research schools deeply to align application materials with institutional values.
- Demonstrate change and initiative, not just leadership titles.

Ch. 6:
- Build efficient, scalable extracurricular projects.
- Aim for impactful engagement (30+ hours/week recommended for top schools).

Ch. 7:
- Take both SAT and ACT practice tests after Algebra II/Trig, then focus on the best fit.
- Prepare for sudden changes in test requirements.

Ch. 8:
- If junior year was weak, consider regular decision to show senior grades.
- Leverage strong test scores as partial compensation for weaker academic terms.

Ch. 9:
- Avoid relying on outdated or generalized advice.
- Start test prep early and adapt as policies change.

Ch. 10:
- Use AI as a brainstorming tool only; write essays in your own voice.
- Parents should support, not commandeer, the essay process.
- Apply for financial aid regardless of income assumptions.

Warnings & Common Mistakes

• Don’t submit test scores to test-blind schools (Ch. 4).
• Don’t try to circumvent policies or use loopholes (Ch. 4).
• Don’t rely on outdated admissions advice—policies change rapidly (Ch. 9).
• Don’t study for both SAT and ACT—choose one based on your strengths (Ch. 9, 10).
• Don’t let parents or AI write college essays; authenticity is essential (Ch. 10).
• Don’t assume you’re ineligible for financial aid (Ch. 10).
• Don’t fixate on awards like the President’s Volunteer Service Award—focus on real impact (Ch. 10 Q&A).

Resources & Next Steps

• Application Prep:
• Eagle College Accelerators (Ch. 2)
• AI-powered brainstorming system for essay drafts (Ch. 2)
• Admissions Data:
• Track each college’s admissions and testing policy (Ch. 4, 7)
• Testing:
• Take SAT/ACT practice tests after Algebra II/Trig (Ch. 7, 9)
• Essay Support:
• Use AI for brainstorming only; final drafts should be student-authored (Ch. 10)
• Financial Aid:
• Free consultations available; text “money” to 949-775-0865 (Ch. 10)
• Further Training:
• Special offers for private admissions trainings: text “Tony” to 949-775-0865 (Ch. 10)
• Q&A and Ongoing Support:
• Join company Discord or Facebook group for updates and Q&A (Ch. 10 Q&A)

This summary is organized to help students and families quickly locate advice,
warnings, and resources relevant to their stage in the college admissions
journey, directly referencing the chapter structure for easy navigation back to
the source material.