Reflections from the 2025-2026 Admissions Cycle

Reflections from the 2025-2026 Admissions Cycle

The 2025–2026 admissions cycle brought record-breaking application numbers, growing waitlists, increased deferrals, and valuable lessons for future applicants. In this episode, we reflect on key trends from this year's admissions landscape and discuss what students can learn from those outcomes as they prepare for their own college journey. We dive into the numbers behind one of the most competitive cycles yet, including the University of California system receiving more than 252,000 applications and Common App reporting 1.4 million first-year applicants. We also discuss the rise in waitlists, deferrals, and spring semester admissions programs at universities such as Case Western Reserve and Ohio State. We explore what we observed among successful applicants, including the role of standardized testing, academic rigor, extracurricular involvement, and essays. While strong test scores can open doors—especially for BS/MD programs and highly selective universities—we share examples of students who found success through test-optional pathways. We also discuss why course rigor, intellectual curiosity, and thoughtful academic planning often matter more than chasing the highest possible GPA. You'll hear how the strongest applicants built cohesive application narratives by connecting their research, volunteer work, leadership experiences, and personal interests. From Alzheimer's research paired with nursing home volunteering to cardiovascular health initiatives tied to cultural identity, we'll discuss how students can create authentic and compelling applications that stand out. We also cover the importance of starting essays early, maintaining strong senior-year grades, building a balanced college list, and resisting the pressure to follow what everyone else is doing. Most importantly, we discuss why students should pursue activities and opportunities that genuinely matter to them rather than simply checking boxes for admissions. Whether you're just beginning the college admissions process or preparing your final applications, this episode offers practical insights and takeaways from one of the most competitive admissions cycles on record.

What NOT To Wait On When Submitting Applications

In this episode, we break down the biggest mistake students make during application season: waiting too long to start the pieces they could have completed earlier. From essays and letters of recommendation to resumes, transcripts, testing, and application timelines, we cover the key tasks students should tackle before deadlines start piling up. We discuss why personal statements and “Why Medicine?” or “Why Major?” essays should be drafted well before senior year gets busy, how preparing activity descriptions early can reduce stress later on, and why asking for letters of recommendation in advance is one of the smartest things students can do. We also talk through organizing deadlines, gathering Common App demographic information, planning an application strategy, and avoiding the chaos that comes with taking the SAT or ACT at the last possible moment. Whether you are applying to college, BS/MD programs, or medical school pathways, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you stay ahead, reduce stress, and submit stronger applications with confidence.

When Plan A Doesn’t Happen: Transfers, Gap Years & Post-Bacc Paths

In the college and medical school admissions process, not getting your first choice can feel devastating — but it does not mean your goals are out of reach. In this episode, we discuss the many pathways students can take when things do not go according to plan A. Nicole & Muskan explore what students can do if they do not gain admission to a BS/MD program, how transferring colleges can sometimes be the right fit, and why it is important to fully invest in the opportunities in front of you while still keeping future options open. For students navigating the medical school admissions process, we also break down what to do after an unsuccessful application cycle. From evaluating GPA, MCAT scores, clinical exposure, and overall application strategy to considering post-bacc programs, gap years, research opportunities, master’s programs, and expanding your school list, we cover the many ways students can strengthen their path forward. Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that every student’s journey looks different. Success rarely follows one perfect roadmap, and sometimes the detours lead to the best opportunities of all.

Searching for Life in the Universe with Dr. Ryan

What does it really take to get involved in scientific research as a student — even with no prior coding or research experience? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ryan, an Adjunct Professor of Physics at Purdue University Fort Wayne and a world-renowned expert in computational astrophysics, to discuss how students can break into real scientific research earlier than they think. From studying galaxy formation on some of the world’s most powerful supercomputers to contributing to a James Webb Space Telescope proposal, Dr. Ryan shares how curiosity—not prior experience—is often the most important ingredient for success in research. We discuss: * How Dr. Ryan first became interested in space and physics * Common misconceptions people have about astrophysics * Why students don’t need prior coding experience to contribute to meaningful research * What makes real research different from a traditional classroom experience * How students can discover research interests before college * Why early research experience can be transformative for college admissions and future careers Dr. Ryan also shares stories from mentoring students ranging from middle schoolers to adults in their 70s—and explains why he believes research should be accessible to anyone willing to learn. Whether you’re a student interested in STEM, a parent navigating opportunities for your child, or simply someone fascinated by the universe, this episode offers an inspiring look into the world of astrophysics, mentorship, and scientific discovery. Want to research with Dr. Ryan this summer? Learn more here at RisingResearchers.com

Start Early, Stand Out: Why Research Changes Everything

In this episode, we sit down with research expert and MD/PhD candidate Loren to explore why research is one of the most powerful experiences a high school student can pursue. Currently completing her PhD in public health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Loren shares her journey from her first college lab experience at Florida Atlantic University to earning a Master’s in Global Health at Duke University—and ultimately into the world of physician-scientist training. We break down what research actually looks like for students, the different types of research (from wet labs to data analysis), and how early exposure can shape not only college applications—but long-term career paths. Loren also gives an inside look at the Rising Researchers program and how students can get involved this summer to gain real, hands-on research experience. If you’ve ever wondered whether research is “worth it” in high school—this episode will give you your answer. Interested in learning more about Rising Researchers? Visit https://risingresearchers.com/ [https://risingresearchers.com/]