The college planning landscape isn’t what it used to be
Parents who attended college in the 1990s or early 2000s often approach the process for their kids with a familiar mindset: visit a few schools, take the SAT, fill out a couple applications, and wait for acceptance letters.
But college planning today is fundamentally different—more complex, more technical, and far more competitive.
A CBRG client put it well:
“It’s a different world now… this process is more technical and competitive.”
That shift has left many families feeling overwhelmed and underprepared.
In this article, we’ll unpack the key changes over the last two decades, explain what today’s parents need to understand, and show how College Benefits Research Group (CBRG) bridges the generational knowledge gap to help students thrive.
The college admissions process then vs. now
College planning has evolved dramatically in the last 25 years, reshaping how students prepare for and apply to college. Today’s applicants face a more competitive, data-driven environment that demands more strategy and earlier preparation than ever before.
According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), application requirements and admission policies have become increasingly complex and unpredictable in recent years (NACAC Trends Report). The most significant changes in the college planning landscape include:
- Explosive application volume: Students today are applying to more colleges than ever before, often 8 to 12 schools, compared to 3 to 5 in the past. That means more competition for limited spots.
- Test-optional policies: The rise of test-optional admissions has shifted the focus to holistic applications, essays, and extracurriculars.
- Skyrocketing tuition: College costs have more than doubled since the 1990s, requiring strategic financial planning, including FAFSA, CSS Profile, and scholarship research. A Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce study highlights how rising tuition costs demand smarter planning to ensure strong return on investment (Georgetown CEW).
- Technology and portals: The Common App now lets students apply to multiple schools at once, and schools use online portals for applications, interviews, and decision notifications.
- Admissions data science: Colleges now use predictive analytics and enrollment management software to shape their incoming classes, making the process feel less personal and more like a business.
Why college planning is more technical today
In today’s environment, every decision matters—from which courses a student takes as a freshman to how they build their extracurricular profile. Parents can no longer rely on generic advice or memories from their own college years. What makes it so technical?
Curriculum sequencing
Students must follow a competitive academic path starting as early as 9th grade. Honors, AP, or dual-enrollment courses are now critical for demonstrating academic rigor. Colleges want to see that students have challenged themselves within the context of their high school’s offerings. Failing to plan early can leave students without the prerequisites or GPA needed to compete for selective schools or merit scholarships.
Financial strategy integration
Strategic financial planning is no longer optional. Today’s families must understand how the FAFSA and CSS Profile work, how to assess a school’s true net cost, and where merit aid opportunities exist. CBRG helps families simplify this process, making sure financial decisions align with academic goals and long-term affordability.
Portfolio development
A strong application portfolio includes more than just grades and test scores. Students must craft a compelling narrative through extracurriculars, essays, volunteer work, and leadership roles. The goal is to show consistency, growth, and a clear sense of purpose. This kind of strategic storytelling takes time and expert guidance to develop.
Timeline management
Missing even one key deadline—for applications, scholarships, or financial aid—can cost students thousands or jeopardize acceptance. A well-managed timeline includes early action and early decision dates, standardized testing schedules, and institutional aid forms. CBRG provides families with structured planning calendars to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
These layers require coordination and expertise, which most high school counselors—often responsible for hundreds of students—cannot provide consistently.
How CBRG helps modern families navigate this new terrain
CBRG specializes in guiding families through this increasingly technical landscape. Here’s how we do it:
- Education and clarity for parents: We break down the modern admissions process in a way that’s easy for parents to understand. Using real-world case studies and practical advice, we help parents catch up to today’s standards quickly.
- Custom timelines and strategies: Every student receives a personalized plan that outlines key tasks, deadlines, and academic benchmarks from high school through college application season. This helps eliminate guesswork and last-minute stress.
- Academic and financial integration: Unlike most advising services, we connect academic planning with financial strategy. This means aligning coursework, college selections, and aid opportunities so students stay on budget and on track.
- Proprietary tools: CBRG’s expert-led planning process offers families a structured, proactive approach to managing every step—applications, scholarships, deadlines, and academic decisions—with clarity and confidence.
Parents consistently report a sense of relief after working with us. They go from feeling behind to being fully informed and proactive.
What parents need to know—and do—differently today
The college planning process today demands a new mindset—one that recognizes the need for earlier action, more personalized choices, and a shift away from outdated assumptions.
If you’re a parent who went to college 20 or 30 years ago, these aren’t just subtle updates—they’re fundamental changes that can shape your child’s success.
- Start earlier: College readiness starts long before senior year. Sophomore year—or even freshman—is now the ideal time to begin building an academic and extracurricular record that aligns with future goals. Early planning gives students more flexibility and families more time to make financially informed decisions.
- Don’t rely on old strategies: The admissions playbook has changed. Factors like demonstrated interest, holistic reviews, and digital application platforms weren’t part of the process 25 years ago. Using outdated advice may inadvertently limit your student’s options or reduce their competitiveness.
- Focus on fit and affordability: Today’s families must look beyond brand names. The best school is one where your child will thrive academically, socially, and financially. Exploring right-fit colleges with strong four-year graduation rates and generous aid packages is far more strategic than chasing prestige.
- Get expert guidance: The process is simply too technical and nuanced to navigate alone. CBRG provides clarity and structure, helping families avoid costly missteps and access opportunities they might otherwise miss. Our guidance brings peace of mind and long-term financial advantages.
Real results from families who adapted with CBRG
CBRG has helped thousands of families adjust to the new rules of college planning. One parent said:
“I was shocked by how much had changed… We would never have gotten through this without your help.”
From understanding aid forms to building balanced school lists, CBRG empowers families with clarity and confidence.
Take the first step with expert guidance
Don’t let outdated assumptions derail your college plan. The sooner you understand the new landscape, the better your student’s outcome will be.
Schedule your free consultation and let CBRG help you navigate college planning today.
Learn about our Financial Services and Academic Services and why families trust us to bridge the gap between the past and the present.