College Admissions Trends 2025: Identity Essays, Early Decision & the Rise of Video Prompts

TLDR

• Many top universities are removing identity-based essay prompts after new federal scrutiny.

• Early Decision options are expanding as schools aim to secure strong applicants faster.

• Colleges like Duke and Vanderbilt now use video submissions to get to know students better.

• Visa delays may reduce international applicants, improving chances for U.S. students.

• Admissions stress is rising as tuition nears $100,000 per year at top institutions.

Download our College Essay Guide PDF to help you navigate this evolving admissions landscape.

A Changing Year for College Admissions

The 2025 admissions cycle is unfolding amid uncertainty. As the Trump administration increases oversight of university diversity policies and limits international student visas, applicants face a new wave of challenges.

Acceptance rates at selective schools are lower than ever, and costs continue climbing toward six figures annually. In this environment, small strategic choices, like applying Early Decision or submitting a video supplement can make a real difference.

Identity-Based Essays Fade Away

After the 2023 Supreme Court decision ending affirmative action, many colleges added optional essays about students’ backgrounds. Now, federal investigations into potential “race proxies” have pushed several universities to remove these prompts altogether.

• University of Virginia cut an essay inviting students to discuss experiences shaped by race, gender, or community.

• Duke University eliminated questions about sexual orientation and gender identity, replacing them with one about AI use.

• Barnard College introduced a prompt encouraging reflection on constructive disagreement, asking students to imagine a conversation with someone whose views differ from their own.

These changes reflect a shift toward gauging intellectual openness over personal identity, a major adjustment for students crafting essays this fall.

Early Decision Expands Beyond the Ivy League

Early Decision (ED) — traditionally dominated by Ivy League schools is spreading rapidly. Universities like the University of Michigan now offer ED to improve enrollment yield and attract top students.

Under ED, applicants commit to attending if admitted, often increasing their odds. Meanwhile, Early Action remains a non-binding alternative for students wanting more flexibility.

Some schools are accelerating notification timelines to entice applicants:

• UNC Chapel Hill now releases in-state ED results by late December.

• University of Chicago added a “Summer Session Early Notification” option for students completing a UChicago program.

For motivated students confident about their top choice, ED can be a powerful strategic move.

The Rise of Video Submissions

A growing number of universities now offer optional video prompts to showcase applicants’ personalities. Schools like Duke, Vanderbilt, and Washington University in St. Louis use platforms like Glimpse to collect short clips, usually 60–120 seconds.

For example, Northwestern University invites students to “share a 60-90 second video helping us get to know you better.”

Tutor Tip:
A well-made video can humanize your application. Keep it conversational, authentic, and brief, this isn’t a documentary. Smile, speak naturally, and share something that highlights your curiosity or resilience.

Fewer International Students, Better Odds for U.S. Applicants

Visa delays and policy shifts are deterring many foreign students from applying to U.S. universities this year. In 2024–25, even schools like Stanford and Duke tapped their waitlists late due to international enrollment shortfalls.

If that trend continues, domestic applicants might enjoy slightly better odds at top schools. Admissions experts advise U.S. students to aim high this cycle, some competitive colleges may admit more domestic students than usual to balance their incoming classes.

What Students Should Do Now

• Start Early: Application timelines are moving up; don’t wait until winter break to polish essays.

• Diversify Your Strategy: Include a mix of reach, match, and safety schools. Both with and without ED.

• Stay Updated: Essay prompts and policies are shifting fast. Double-check requirements before submitting.

• Consider the Optional Video: It’s a low-risk, high-impact addition if done thoughtfully.

The Takeaway

The 2025 admissions cycle is being shaped by politics, policy, and innovation. From identity essay changes to visa restrictions and video submissions, the landscape is evolving fast.

Students who stay informed, adapt their strategies, and tell authentic stories will be best positioned to succeed.

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👉 Book a free college admissions consultation with one of our Ivy-trained tutors today.