Impact of College Admissions Policy Changes Post-Pandemic

This research report presents new findings from the Admissions Research Consortium (ARC) regarding the effects of college admissions policy changes following the COVID-19 pandemic. It examines trends in college applications, admissions, enrollment, and first-year outcomes from fall 2018 to fall 2024. The report highlights the significant increase in applications, with a 38% rise noted among consortium institutions, and discusses the implications of test-optional policies initiated in fall 2021 and race-neutral policies starting in fall 2024. The analysis reveals that while overall enrollment has increased, the composition of the student body by race and socioeconomic status has remained largely unchanged. The report also details the relationship between test score disclosure and first-year college outcomes, noting that students who disclose test scores tend to perform better academically. The findings aim to inform future admissions practices and support student success in higher education.