The Rise of Direct Admissions: What Students Should Know

Summary:

The aim of direct admissions is to increase the number of low- and middle-income students attending colleges and universities. Students can register with participating schools and select the ones that best align with their interests and GPA. 

Key Points:

• Common App launched its 2024 / 2025 Direct Admissions Program with 117 member colleges and universities. 
• The mission is to increase the number of low- and middle-income students attending colleges and universities. 
• Simply register with the schools using this new model and select the college that best aligns with your interests and GPA.
• Direct admissions works by accepting students into a general education program, thereby putting off selecting a major until the sophomore year. 
• Students receive admission offers as early as August, before traditional application processes begin.
• Direct admissions does not require traditional test scores, essays, or letters of recommendation.

College acceptance trends are changing. Imagine receiving an acceptance letter from a college you’ve been considering before you’ve even applied! This is one of the many benefits of the new Common App Direct Admissions Program. In this article, we’ll do a deep dive into how it works, review the pros and cons, and share the list of direct admission colleges currently using this innovative new model.

What is Direct Admissions?

According to U.S. News & World Report, direct admissions is designed to address specific challenges that have been on the rise in recent years. These include:

• The need to boost the number of college-bound students, a statistic that has been declining, particularly in states where populations are thinning out. 
• A move to address the intimidating — often stressful — admissions process, which can drive away students who believe a private college is too expensive, or they may not get in. These are often students from underprivileged communities.
• New, creative ways to compete for students during a time when admissions are (in some cases) about to experience an enrollment cliff.

Direct Admissions Versus Traditional Admissions

At participating colleges and universities, direct admissions works by accepting students into a general education program. In this case, students can postpone choosing a major until their sophomore year. For instance, a pre-med student can be accepted directly into a general education program but still have a more topic-specific application to complete before they can begin pre-med coursework. 

The traditional admissions process is far more complex, with a longer timeline and a more rigorous path to entry. Here are the typical steps:

• High school students may consider early admissions.
• They may retake tests like the SAT or ACT to improve scores.
• They’ll need to submit the required college essays.
• One-on-one meetings are also required, as are letters of recommendation.

For highly competitive schools, developing a relationship with students can be advantageous to ensuring their success. But, for colleges and universities that rely on large enrollments, programs like the Common App provide a bridge to direct admissions, especially beneficial for participating institutions — both high schools and universities.

How To Apply for Direct Admissions in High School

There are different methods for going the direct admissions route. For instance, the state of Minnesota has seen a significant rise in the number of enrollments from direct admissions. In that state, everyone gets a personalized list of colleges and universities that are committed to enrolling them. The Minnesota Office of Higher Education uses direct admissions to connect with schools that could be a suitable match. This eliminates some of the doubt for students about whether or not they’ll have higher education options available to them. It is hoped that college application changes, which are part of the direct admissions process, will make it easier for deserving students to secure a place in higher education.

Here’s how it works in most states:

• Before July 15: Qualified students opt in by signing into their College Board account to indicate interest in participating. They provide key information, such as their GPA, and then select which colleges they’d like to hear from.
• August 2025: The College Board sends students preliminary admission offers on behalf of the college(s).
• Fall 2025: Students will complete the following steps directly with the college to confirm the preliminary admission offers they have received. Offers are non-binding, and if students don't receive one, they can still apply through the traditional process.

The Advantages of Direct Admissions

The advantages include simplicity of entry, reduced stress, and potential admission to a range of colleges that align with your interests and accomplishments. But don’t think of direct admissions as a “get-in-the-door-free” option. You still need to have a solid GPA, adequate means to cover tuition, and the rigor required to succeed in college. Here are some of the other advantages of this program:

• Receive admission offers as early as August, before traditional application processes begin.
• You will not be required to write essays or turn in letters of recommendation.
• Hear from colleges and universities that match your interests.
• There are no application fees.
• You’ll have more time to plan for college, including applying for financial aid and scholarships.
• Your privacy is protected. Colleges do not consider your personal information when determining your admission; it is strictly based on merit.
• For colleges, direct admissions can increase the number of students seeking specialized academic tracks. By simplifying the entry process, institutions can cultivate a larger pool of students for programs that require additional qualifications, like nursing, business, or pre-law.

The Challenges of Direct Admissions

Direct admissions do not come without challenges to both the student and the university.  Here are some examples:

• Maintaining academic standards: For direct admissions to work, it requires careful balancing of inclusivity with maintaining quality standards. This requires savvy planning and oversight on the part of the institution. If poorly handled, the results could impact the school’s viability and reputation. 
• Student readiness: Direct admissions may simplify the entry process, but students who bypass traditional application elements may be less prepared for college. The college will need to have support systems in place, such as remedial courses, to help students succeed.
• Lack of personal interactions: Direct admissions reduce the opportunity for personal interactions between incoming students and admissions officers, as well as current students. 
• Direct admission to a particular university is not mandatory; students can choose an alternative school. That makes it difficult for schools to gauge enrollment rates.

Remember, direct admissions is not your only option. You may still opt to apply the traditional way while you consider this more direct route. This only makes sense as direct admissions is such a new—some would say experimental—model. Plus, the school of your dreams might not participate in direct admissions. Nevertheless, if you find yourself with a mailbox of invitations to accredited colleges and universities, go for it!

In the words of Jenny Rickard, President and CEO of Common App, “With today’s launch of our 2024-2025 Common App Direct Admissions Program, even more students will know they are worthy and welcome on a college campus.”

The complete list of participating schools is available HERE.

This was last reviewed by Ashley Simmons on 10/17/2025.