Research Evidence on Admissions and Student Success Post-Pandemic

This technical report presents a summary of four years of research conducted by the Admissions Research Consortium (ARC) on the evolving college admissions landscape since the COVID-19 pandemic. The consortium, formed in 2021, aims to analyze trends in applications, admissions, and enrollments, as well as student outcomes in light of test-optional policies. The report details key findings from 60 of the 80 consortium colleges, focusing on application and enrollment patterns, student behavior regarding test score disclosure, and first-year college outcomes. Notably, applications to consortium colleges increased by 38% from Fall 2020 to Fall 2024, with significant growth among selective public institutions and first-generation college students. The report also discusses the implications of these trends for enrollment practitioners and highlights the continued relevance of standardized test scores in predicting academic success. Future research briefs are anticipated to explore long-term outcomes such as graduation rates.