What This Year’s College Admissions Results Reveal for Future Applicants

Experts who guide applications—and the admissions officers who read them—can explain what changed and what it means for your student.

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First, understand what happened. Then learn what to do next.

The Reality Check: What the 2026 Admissions Results Really Show

Monday, May 4 | 7 PM EST

A data-driven breakdown of what changed in the 2026 admissions cycle—and what those shifts mean for families planning ahead.

We’ll Explore
  • Shifts in acceptance rates across selective colleges
  • The growing impact of Early Decision
  • When test scores helped—and when they mattered less
  • How intended majors influenced admissions outcomes
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Can’t join us live? Sign up anyway and we’ll send you the recording.
Hear from our experts who have guided hundreds of students through the admissions process.

Lisa Bain Carlton

25+ years as a college counselor

Bob Carlton

30+ years of higher education experience

Amanda Edelhart

20+ years as a college counselor

Jed Applerouth

Nationally recognized test prep expert

The Game Plan: What Actually Matters for Your Student in College Admissions

Wednesday, May 6 | 7pm ET

Admissions leaders explain how applications are evaluated—and how students can make thoughtful, personalized decisions as they prepare for the next admissions cycle.

We’ll Explore
  • Test-optional vs. test-preferred policies
  • How colleges view AI in applications
  • The role of intended major and academic direction
  • Why depth in extracurriculars matters
Register Now
Can’t join us live? Sign up anyway and we’ll send you the recording.
Hear from admissions officers who read your students’ applications

Ashley Templeton

University of Georgia

Carol Lee Conchar

George Washington University

Laura Robitaille

University of Wisconsin

Michael McGrath

Syracuse University

Why This Admissions Cycle Felt So Unpredictable

Early Decision data points to major shifts in admissions.
Testing Is Separating Applicants
↑ 11% Score Submission

More high-achieving students are submitting SAT/ACT scores again.

Application Inflation Continues
9.19M Applications Submitted

Students now apply to 6.5 colleges on average, pushing admit rates lower.

Early Applications Define Outcomes
65% Applied Early

Many selective colleges fill 45–60% of seats before Regular Decision.

Selectivity Remains Extremely High
MIT 3.96% · Yale 4.46%

Elite Admit Rates Stay Low

Webinar Series

Understand the Results. Build the Strategy.

Join both sessions to see what changed in the 2026 admissions cycle—and how students can plan smarter for the next one.

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Need personalised guidance?

Schedule a consultation with a Summit Program Director or call (800) 698-8867.

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