HayU Blog

We recently sat down with Damien Fatongia, one of our in-house college consultants, to discuss some of the latest trends and exciting shifts in the landscape of college admissions.

With a deep history of admissions experience gleaned from his lead counselor role at a highly selective independent high school and posts at selective colleges, Damien is a wonderful resource for our clients and wider readership.

Changes in the Landscape of Admissions

Do you see any shifts in how many schools high school seniors are typically applying to since the pandemic?

I have definitely seen a shift in the number of schools students are applying to since the pandemic. There have been a number of factors that have impacted the increase in these numbers, but none more than universities moving towards test optional/test flexible/test-free policies that were implemented in 2020. With that barrier removed, students are taking a few more shots at universities that they typically would not have applied to pre-COVID. And the catch-22 here is that the increased numbers of applications students are applying to creates a more competitive application pool, which makes some universities much more selective.

What trends are you noticing with EA/ED/Rolling numbers in terms of likelihood for admission?

Students and their families are definitely more dialed in with the advantages of applying early to colleges with ED/EA deadlines. Many universities are filling anywhere from a third to sometimes more than half of their class during the early round of applications, a round where sometimes only a third of the application pool is applying. So there’s definitely an advantage to applying early. 

Are there certain students for whom you feel early levers are a disadvantage? 

Common practice is that students who are hoping to leverage first semester grades or late test scores as part of their profile would be encouraged to wait on submitting their application until those items are available. However, there’s a bit more nuance to this. How does the university look at demonstrated interest? Is that measured through timing of application? Will the first semester grades and or new test scores really move the needle with your profile? Informed guidance will really depend on a variety of factors and should be discussed at length. I always encourage students to set a goal of completing the application in time for the early application deadline and making the decision later to submit early or wait.  

The Shifting Sands of Standardized Testing

Do you sense most students whom you collaborate with are abandoning the ACT in favor of the DSAT?

Interestingly, there was a moment late 2023 where students were really leaning into the ACT because they knew that wasn’t changing. Some test prep companies were also pushing ACT because the prep material wouldn’t need to change or adjust. However, after the digital PSAT that took place last year, students adapted well (as they always do to change).  Students who are interested in testing will likely be fans of the new digital SAT.

What are your thoughts on the rates of score submission among admitted students compared to the overall applicant pool? Do you think this is a sign students who don’t submit are at a disadvantage, or do you see other factors in play?

In general, I wouldn’t say that there’s a disproportionately higher rate of admission for score submitters. But, there are schools that I would point to that are more interested in scores than others even if their testing policies are flexible/optional. 

Looking at the Common Data Set for several institutions (most recent available is for Fall 2022), I noticed that for some of the most selective universities in the country just over half of the students enrolled submit scores.  I don’t believe that non-submitters are disadvantaged in general.  A lot of factors go into the decision, and we’ll need to keep monitoring these numbers to see where the trend is heading. I advise most students to take at least one official practice exam for a baseline score and then from there, work with a college advisor to determine if they should continue down the path of testing or decide to spend their time doing other interesting things. 

If you had a crystal ball, do you predict an increasing number of selective, domestic colleges and universities will return to mandating the ACT or SAT in the next few years?

You are starting to see a few schools moving back to requiring exams, but I don’t anticipate a significant number mandating testing in the near future. Schools will continue to monitor and review the test optional cohorts and see how they’re performing in their classrooms. As long as college systems such as the UC and CSU remain test free/test blind, it’s hard for me to imagine universities moving back to requiring exams. 

Ongoing Equity Challenges

In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Affirmative Action in higher education, what new moves have smaller colleges and universities made to pursue an inclusive and diverse student body?

On the college side, many universities have revised their supplemental questions to address race conscious admission head-on. Institutions are asking applicants to reflect on their experiences with identity (culturally, gender, sexual orientation, etc.). Additionally, universities continue to host their targeted programming for underserved populations.

The Roles of School and Independent College Counselors

Do you have any practical advice for students who choose to work with an independent college consultant in terms of what to expect and what to ask when considering options?

I would start first with the student and family themselves and have them think about what it is they need in this college admission process (i.e. task master, someone to help with auditions, reviewing and editing essays, athletic recruiting, etc.). From there, they should reflect and think about whether there are resources at the student’s school that can address these needs or if someone outside of school is better suited to offer that support. 

How should students working with a private counselor and their school counselor communicate that they’ve decided to work with a larger network of support?

I would always encourage students to be honest with their school counselor and inform them that you are receiving additional support outside of school and what purpose they are serving in your college process. School counselors will be understanding and will always want what’s best for the student. Additionally, it’s pivotal to make sure that the school counselor is always informed with what’s going on throughout the process. They will be the key liaison to universities that you’re interested in. If universities need any information regarding your application, the school counselor will be the first one to receive a call.  

Athletes and Artists 

What advice might you share with competitive athletes considering D1, D2 and D3 school choices about how to best self-advocate? Click here to read more. 

Great Expectations

How do you help students manage their own expectations about admissions outcomes?

Students can feel devastated when they don’t receive the outcome they thought they deserved. College admissions sometimes feels unfair, and I understand why students and their families feel that way. To combat this, I’m always sure to not sugar coat things during our early conversations on college lists and offer data informed advice. Throughout the stages of our partnership, we’re inventorying what they need to be successful learners, engaged activity community members and overall happy and healthy individuals.  From there we develop and refine a balanced, well-researched list of viable options where they can thrive.

Additionally, I encourage students to focus on what they can control in the process - effort in the classroom, activities in which they’re involved, and storytelling in college essays. There’s a constant balance of making sure students maintain realistic expectations and still feel encouraged and seen.  

- Damien Fatongia