College admissions have changed quickly in the past few years, and the class of 2025 at Lakeside High School is feeling the impact. With new testing rules, financial aid delays, and rising competition, students say the process has become more stressful and confusing. Counselors also agree that this year requires more planning and awareness than before.
Many colleges went test-optional during the pandemic, but several Georgia schools have now returned to test-requirement policies. Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia both ask students to submit SAT or ACT scores, while colleges like Emory and Agnes Scott remain test-optional. These mixed policies mean that students must pay close attention to what each school requires. Lakeside counselor Mrs.Bucovaz explains that the changes have created new challenges. “Students cannot assume that optional means easier. Colleges still expect strong grades, clear interests, and dedication. The process asks students to show who they are in many different ways.”
For seniors like Matthew Bui, the biggest challenge is keeping track of different requirements. Matthew says, “ Every college requires something different. Some need multiple supplemental essays, while others don’t even require any at all. The whole process is very time-consuming and exhausting, which is severely affecting my school work.” Matthew prepared for the SAT during junior year because he knew Georgia schools were returning to test-required rules. He said that preparing early helped him feel more confident when deadlines approached.
Course rigor has also grown more critical in the admissions process. Colleges want to see that students take challenging classes, such as AP or Dual Enrollment courses. Many Lakeside students have added more advanced classes to their schedules to stay competitive. Counselors say that balance is more important than taking too many difficult classes at once. They recommend steady effort and consistent grades over sudden jumps in rigor. However, some students have fallen into the trap of increased rigor and are feeling the effects. Student Alexander Cortez says that he wanted to take dual enrollment to meet the higher demands of colleges, but this transition has not been easy. “I’m swamped usually with about 3 hours of homework a day, which is affecting my performance at my job.”
Despite the challenges, counselors say there are clear steps students can take to succeed. They recommend researching colleges early, keeping track of deadlines, writing essays during the summer, and checking requirements often. Mrs. Bucovaz said, “Students who start early always have a smoother path. Preparing early allows them to reduce stress and build confidence.”
College admissions in 2025 may be more demanding, but Lakeside students can navigate the process with the correct information and support. As deadlines approach, staying organized and understanding new policies will help students make informed decisions about their future.
