Selective Colleges Shift Toward Early Decision Dominance in 2026 Admissions

Early Admissions Now Dominates Selective College Enrollment

A striking trend has emerged in the 2026 admissions cycle: many of the nation's most selective colleges are filling more than 70% of their incoming classes through Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED) programs. This shift, highlighted in a recent [Applerouth report](https://www.applerouth.com/blog/8-predictions-for-college-admissions-in-2026), underscores the increasing importance of early application rounds for students targeting elite institutions like Middlebury and others in the Ivy+ category.

Why It Matters

The move toward early admissions dominance reflects colleges' desire to lock in high-yield applicants earlier in the cycle, reducing uncertainty in enrollment management. For students, this trend means that applying early—particularly through binding Early Decision programs—has become a near-necessity for maximizing admission chances at top-tier schools. However, it also raises concerns about equity, as ED programs favor applicants who can commit to attending without comparing financial aid offers.

While standardized testing policies and AI tools in admissions continue to evolve, the early admissions surge stands out as the most consequential development for the class of 2026. Families are advised to plan accordingly, balancing strategic early applications with financial considerations.