Written by
Raj Hamlai
5 College Admissions Trends That Will Define 2026 (and How to Prepare Now)
Brainstorm topics, generate question prompts, outline your story
Grammar checks and clarity suggestions
-Generating full drafts, paragraphs, or "rewriting in a better voice"
Create an "authenticity trail": outlines, drafts, notes — so your essay reflects your real thinking and voice.
Read our full guide: Why AI Can't Write Your College Essay (And What to Do Instead) — we go deep on how admissions officers spot "AI-ish" writing, what real reflection looks like, and a 6-step process to brainstorm and draft your best essay.
Trend 4: Early deadlines are becoming the default (and Early Decision remains powerful)
Applying early is no longer a niche strategy. Common App research found that about 58% of applicants applied early (EA or ED) in 2022–23 — and that early applying has increased over time. (commonapp.org)
That same report also notes research showing a real admissions advantage for Early Decision at many colleges. (commonapp.org)
At the same time, Early Decision is under growing public scrutiny because it can disadvantage families who need to compare financial aid offers. (The Washington Post)
What students should do:
Use EA widely when it's non-binding and fits your timeline.
Only use ED if all three are true:
1. It's your clear first choice,
2. Your academic/activities profile matches the school, and
3. Your family is confident about affordability (or the school is known to meet full demonstrated need).
Trend 5: "Depth over breadth" is winning — because it's harder to fake
When applications rise and essays become easier to "polish," colleges look harder at signals that show real sustained commitment.
Common App's extracurricular research specifically suggests that focusing on quality of engagement rather than quantity can reduce inequities — and highlights that activity descriptions (leadership, impact, accomplishments) are heavily scrutinized. (commonapp.org)
In plain terms: 10 shallow clubs rarely beats 2–3 commitments where you've grown, led, and made something happen.
From NACAC's reporting on admission decision factors, academic performance remains central (GPA, curriculum strength, etc.), and demonstrated interest is among the commonly cited factors.
What students should do:
Pick 2–3 "anchor" activities and go deeper:
- Leadership, measurable impact, progression over time
Build a "proof of impact" habit:
- Track outcomes (hours, funds raised, people served, projects shipped, performances, awards, publications, etc.)
If you're starting late, don't panic — depth can happen in 6–12 months with the right plan and consistency.
Read our full guide: Depth Over Breadth: What Colleges Really Mean (With Real Examples) — we break down the "spiky profile" concept with anonymized examples of students who went deep vs. wide, plus a profile development framework you can use.
A simple game plan for families applying in (and after) 2026
If you want a quick checklist that matches these trends:
Spring: diagnostic SAT/ACT + tighten course rigor choices
Summer: build essay + activities narrative (real voice, real evidence)
August–October: finalize list + execute EA/ED strategy early
All year: double down on 2–3 commitments with measurable outcomes
Ready for a personalized plan?
Admissions in 2026 rewards strategy — especially around testing choices, early deadlines, and how you present your story in an AI-era process.
Book a free strategy session with Momentum College Prep →