{"id":2128,"date":"2025-03-28T22:20:08","date_gmt":"2025-03-29T06:20:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/?p=2128"},"modified":"2026-08-31T10:12:45","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T18:12:45","slug":"college-admissions-changed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/college-applications-and-admissions\/college-admissions-changed\/","title":{"rendered":"How College Admissions Have Changed (and What It Means for Gen Z Applicants)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>How have college admissions changed<\/em> in recent years? It&#8217;s a lot! <em>Test optional impact<\/em>, an increased focus on <em>holistic review<\/em> \u2013 it&#8217;s all different now. This article explains the shifts. It also gives <em>Gen Z college applicants<\/em> strategies to succeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"575\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Applications-Batch-2-23-1024x575.png\" alt=\"College Admissions: What's Changed &amp; Gen Z Strategies\" class=\"wp-image-2130\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Applications-Batch-2-23-1024x575.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Applications-Batch-2-23-300x168.png 300w, https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Applications-Batch-2-23-768x431.png 768w, https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Applications-Batch-2-23-1536x862.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Applications-Batch-2-23.png 1825w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Rise of Test-Optional Policies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many colleges went <em>test optional<\/em>. Some are doing it permanently. This means you don&#8217;t <em>have<\/em> to submit SAT\/ACT scores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Why the Change?<\/strong> The change helps students who score low on the SAT\/ACT.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>What Does This Mean?<\/strong> If your scores are strong, send them. If not, focus on other areas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It gives students options they didn&#8217;t have before. It also puts more stress on other parts of the application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ci-auto-cta\" style=\"background:#0A3D5C;color:#fff;border-radius:14px;padding:16px 22px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:16px;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:22px 0;font-family:inherit\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"28\" height=\"28\" fill=\"#F5C563\" style=\"flex:0 0 28px\"><path d=\"M12 3 1 8l11 5 9-4.1V15h2V8L12 3z\"\/><path d=\"M5 12.7v3.3c0 1.2 3.1 3 7 3s7-1.8 7-3v-3.3l-7 3.2-7-3.2z\"\/><\/svg><div style=\"flex:1;min-width:220px\"><div style=\"font-size:19px;font-weight:800;line-height:1.2;margin:0 0 3px\">Find Your Best-Fit College<\/div><div style=\"font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.45;color:#c9d9e6\">Explore your options and find the campus that&#8217;s right for you.<\/div><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/college\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#EDAE39;color:#072A40;font-weight:800;font-size:14.5px;border-radius:999px;padding:11px 24px;text-decoration:none;white-space:nowrap\">Find Colleges<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Increased Competition: Why It&#8217;s Harder to Get In<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Colleges get <em>more<\/em> applications than ever. It can be harder to get in. This has to do with test optional policies, but also a renewed focus on DEI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>More Applicants:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/college-applications-and-admissions\/college-application-timeline\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">Online applications make it easier<\/a> to apply to many schools.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Limited Spots:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/college-applications-and-admissions\/holistic-review-explained-college-applications\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">Colleges only have so many<\/a> spots to fill.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This makes <em>college application strategy<\/em> important. You have to stand out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Emphasis on Holistic Review<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/college-applications-and-admissions\/test-optional-admissions-guide\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">Holistic review college admissions<\/a><\/em> means colleges look at the whole person. They want to know who you are outside of the grades and scores. What makes you tick?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>What Do They Look For?<\/strong> Essays, activities, letters, and unique skills.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Why Is This Important?<\/strong> It&#8217;s not just about academics. It&#8217;s about character.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s important to show what you have accomplished, and not just list activities. What did you learn? What did you bring to your team or community?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ci-auto-cta\" style=\"background:#1E90C9;color:#fff;border-radius:14px;padding:16px 22px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:16px;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:22px 0;font-family:inherit\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"28\" height=\"28\" fill=\"#F5C563\" style=\"flex:0 0 28px\"><path d=\"M4 5h5l2 2h9a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v10a1 1 0 0 1-1 1H4a1 1 0 0 1-1-1V6a1 1 0 0 1 1-1z\"\/><\/svg><div style=\"flex:1;min-width:220px\"><div style=\"font-size:19px;font-weight:800;line-height:1.2;margin:0 0 3px\">Showcase Everything You&#8217;ve Achieved<\/div><div style=\"font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.45;color:#e8f5fd\">Build a free Cirkled In portfolio that shows who you are beyond test scores.<\/div><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#EDAE39;color:#072A40;font-weight:800;font-size:14.5px;border-radius:999px;padding:11px 24px;text-decoration:none;white-space:nowrap\">Start My Profile<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What This Means for Gen Z Applicants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Gen Z college applicants<\/em> face a new landscape. You have to be strategic and authentic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Show Your Passion:<\/strong> Colleges want to see your interests.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tell Your Story:<\/strong> Your essays should be personal and show who you are.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Highlight Your Skills:<\/strong> What are you good at? How do you use your skills?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Be yourself, and show colleges what makes you unique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gen Z&#8217;s Strengths in the New Landscape<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Gen Z<\/em> has strengths that help them in the current college admission environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Tech Savvy:<\/strong> Comfortable with using technology for learning and connecting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Socially Aware:<\/strong> Passionate about issues and making a difference.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Creative and Innovative:<\/strong> Able to think outside the box.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Adaptable:<\/strong> Able to adjust to change and new situations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Show colleges how you use your strengths to make a positive impact. Show your passion, and bring energy to the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Adapting Your College Application Strategy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Craft Compelling Essays:<\/strong> Your essays are your chance to shine. Make them personal and engaging.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Showcase Your Activities:<\/strong> Highlight your accomplishments and leadership roles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ask for Strong Letters of Recommendation:<\/strong> Get letters from teachers who know you well.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Consider Test-Optional Policies:<\/strong> Decide if sending your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/college-applications-and-admissions\/submit-test-scores-score-choice-superscore-strategy\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">scores will help or hurt<\/a> your chances.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Do Your Research:<\/strong> Find colleges that are a good fit for you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure your essays shine, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/college-applications-and-admissions\/applying-college-low-gpa-test-optional-strengths\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">even if your test scores<\/a> don\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion: College Admissions: What&#8217;s Changed &amp; Gen Z Strategies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>How college admissions changed<\/em>? A lot! But, <em>Gen Z<\/em> applicants can still succeed. Focus on being authentic. Showcase your strengths. Create a strong application. Understand the <em>test optional impact<\/em>. Focus on <em>holistic review<\/em>. You got this!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ci-auto-cta\" style=\"background:#EDAE39;color:#082033;border-radius:14px;padding:16px 22px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:16px;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:22px 0;font-family:inherit\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"28\" height=\"28\" fill=\"#082033\" style=\"flex:0 0 28px\"><path d=\"M18 4h2a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v2a4 4 0 0 1-4 4h-.4A6 6 0 0 1 13 14.9V17h3v2H8v-2h3v-2.1A6 6 0 0 1 7.4 11H7a4 4 0 0 1-4-4V5a1 1 0 0 1 1-1h2V3h12v1zM6 6H5v1a2 2 0 0 0 1 1.7V6zm13 0v2.7A2 2 0 0 0 20 7V6h-1z\"\/><\/svg><div style=\"flex:1;min-width:220px\"><div style=\"font-size:19px;font-weight:800;line-height:1.2;margin:0 0 3px\">$2,500 No-Sweat Scholarship<\/div><div style=\"font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.45;color:#5a3a10\">Real students win our $2,500 scholarship every quarter \u2014 yours could be next.<\/div><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/scholarships\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#0A3D5C;color:#fff;font-weight:800;font-size:14.5px;border-radius:999px;padding:11px 24px;text-decoration:none;white-space:nowrap\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ci-related\" style=\"background:#e7f1fb;border-radius:16px;padding:20px 24px;margin:30px 0 16px;font-family:inherit\"><div style=\"color:#2b6f9c;font-size:12px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:1.2px;text-transform:uppercase;margin:0 0 4px\">Keep Reading<\/div><div style=\"font-size:20px;font-weight:800;color:#0A3D5C;margin:0 0 10px\">Related Articles<\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/resume-and-portfolio-building\/gen-z-digital-portfolios\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;padding:8px 2px;text-decoration:none;color:#0A3D5C;font-weight:600;font-size:15px\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#2b6f9c\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" style=\"flex:0 0 14px\"><path d=\"M9 6l6 6-6 6\"\/><\/svg><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\">The Gen Z Guide to Digital Portfolios: Platforms, Trends, and Must-Have Sections<\/span><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/college-applications-and-admissions\/should-i-apply-to-a-college-even-if-i-dont-meet-the-gpa-or-test-score-requirements-spoiler-yes\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;padding:8px 2px;text-decoration:none;color:#0A3D5C;font-weight:600;font-size:15px\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#2b6f9c\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" style=\"flex:0 0 14px\"><path d=\"M9 6l6 6-6 6\"\/><\/svg><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\">Should I Apply to a College Even If I Don\u2019t Meet the GPA or Test Score Requirements? 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Find your dream college, gain real experience, and win scholarships, all at one hub.<\/p><div class=\"ci-why-tiles\"><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#2EA9E0;color:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:14px 14px;text-decoration:none;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px;min-height:58px;font-weight:800;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.2;box-shadow:0 6px 16px -8px rgba(0,0,0,.5)\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"23\" height=\"23\" fill=\"#F5C563\" style=\"flex:0 0 23px\"><path d=\"M4 5h5l2 2h9a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v10a1 1 0 0 1-1 1H4a1 1 0 0 1-1-1V6a1 1 0 0 1 1-1z\"\/><\/svg>Create My Portfolio<\/a><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/college\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#147097;color:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:14px 14px;text-decoration:none;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px;min-height:58px;font-weight:800;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.2;box-shadow:0 6px 16px -8px rgba(0,0,0,.5)\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"23\" height=\"23\" fill=\"#fff\" style=\"flex:0 0 23px\"><path d=\"M12 3 1 8l11 5 9-4.1V15h2V8L12 3z\"\/><path d=\"M5 12.7v3.3c0 1.2 3.1 3 7 3s7-1.8 7-3v-3.3l-7 3.2-7-3.2z\"\/><\/svg>Research 7,000+ Colleges<\/a><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/scholarships\/search\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#F3D08A;color:#082033;border-radius:12px;padding:14px 14px;text-decoration:none;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px;min-height:58px;font-weight:800;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.2;box-shadow:0 6px 16px -8px rgba(0,0,0,.5)\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"23\" height=\"23\" fill=\"#082033\" style=\"flex:0 0 23px\"><path d=\"M12 2a10 10 0 1 0 0 20 10 10 0 0 0 0-20zm.9 15.4v1.2h-1.6v-1.2c-1.5-.2-2.5-1-2.7-2.4h1.7c.1.7.7 1.1 1.8 1.1 1 0 1.6-.4 1.6-1s-.4-.9-1.9-1.2c-1.8-.4-2.9-1-2.9-2.5 0-1.2.9-2.1 2.4-2.3V6.4h1.6v1.4c1.3.2 2.2 1 2.4 2.2h-1.7c-.1-.6-.6-1-1.5-1s-1.5.4-1.5 1c0 .5.5.8 1.9 1.1 1.9.4 2.9 1 2.9 2.6 0 1.3-.9 2.2-2.4 2.3z\"\/><\/svg>Find 6,500+ Scholarships<\/a><a class=\"ci-wide\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/internship-and-jobs\/search\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#1F5F8B;color:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:14px 14px;text-decoration:none;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px;min-height:58px;font-weight:800;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.2;box-shadow:0 6px 16px -8px rgba(0,0,0,.5)\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"23\" height=\"23\" fill=\"#fff\" style=\"flex:0 0 23px\"><rect x=\"10.3\" y=\"2.4\" width=\"3.4\" height=\"2.2\" rx=\"1.1\"\/><rect x=\"5\" y=\"4.6\" width=\"14\" height=\"16.8\" rx=\"2.4\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#fff\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"\/><rect x=\"7.4\" y=\"7.4\" width=\"9.2\" height=\"3.4\" rx=\"1\"\/><rect x=\"8\" y=\"13\" width=\"8\" height=\"1.5\"\/><rect x=\"8\" y=\"16\" width=\"8\" height=\"1.5\"\/><rect x=\"8\" y=\"19\" width=\"5\" height=\"1.5\"\/><\/svg>Explore 24,000+ Internships, Jobs &amp; Volunteering<\/a><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/scholarships\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#EDAE39;color:#082033;border-radius:12px;padding:14px 14px;text-decoration:none;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px;min-height:58px;font-weight:800;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.2;box-shadow:0 6px 16px -8px rgba(0,0,0,.5)\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"23\" height=\"23\" fill=\"#082033\" style=\"flex:0 0 23px\"><path d=\"M18 4h2a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v2a4 4 0 0 1-4 4h-.4A6 6 0 0 1 13 14.9V17h3v2H8v-2h3v-2.1A6 6 0 0 1 7.4 11H7a4 4 0 0 1-4-4V5a1 1 0 0 1 1-1h2V3h12v1zM6 6H5v1a2 2 0 0 0 1 1.7V6zm13 0v2.7A2 2 0 0 0 20 7V6h-1z\"\/><\/svg>Win the $2,500 Scholarship<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How have college admissions changed in recent years? It&#8217;s a lot! Test optional impact, an increased focus on holistic review \u2013 it&#8217;s all different now. This article explains the shifts. It also gives Gen Z college applicants strategies to succeed. The Rise of Test-Optional Policies Many colleges went test optional. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":2129,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[49],"tags":[2028,18,79,324,378,1913,1926,2021,2022,2023,2024,2025,2026,2027],"class_list":["post-2128","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-college-applications-and-admissions","tag-admissions-landscape","tag-college-admissions","tag-college-admissions-tips","tag-college-selection","tag-college-application-strategy","tag-college-application-process","tag-application-strategy","tag-gen-z-applicants","tag-test-optional-policies","tag-college-admissions-changes","tag-holistic-review","tag-increased-competition","tag-gen-z-strengths","tag-college-admissions-trends"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How College Admissions Have Changed (and What It Means for Gen Z Applicants) - Cirkled In<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"How college admissions changed? 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