LogicPrep at NACAC 2025: Key Takeaways for Families
Once again, LogicPrep attended the world’s largest conference on college admissions: The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). As proud NACAC members, we look forward to attending this annual conference to learn from admissions professionals, counselors, and university leaders – bringing back insights that matter most to our LogicPrep families.
This year’s theme, United We Rise, acknowledged the truly chaotic year of college admissions. Despite the uncertainty, admission professionals came together to reaffirm our commitment to supporting students around the world to achieve their postsecondary goals.
Here are a few key takeaways:
The Status of AI in College Admissions
AI has made its way into admissions - but with careful research and consideration. Universities are exploring how AI can improve efficiency without losing the human element that is so important in holistic review. Likewise, College Advisors and students are determining how - if it all - to use AI in the college search and application process.
A student’s authentic voice matters most.
LogicPrep has long advocated that AI should never be used to replace a student's work. The essays that shine are ones that preserve a student’s authentic voice and reveal vulnerabilities.
A tool for brainstorming.
Some NACAC attendees support tools like ChatGPT for brainstorming essay topics, while others warn that ChatGPT prompts can cloud the creative and reflective process. Self-reflection exercises with your Essay Coach and College Advisor can help you gain perspective on your experiences and allow your personality and authenticity to shine through.
Minimize Risk.
Some universities are using AI checks. It’s best to avoid any AI use that would cause your application to be flagged or questioned.
Transparency Matters.
For colleges that are turning towards AI to efficiently manage the influx of college applications, transparency maintains trust among applicants and college advisors. For example, Virginia Tech was commended for its forthright announcement on how AI and human readers work together with human safety checks in place (link).
Supplemental Essays Should Not Be An Afterthought
With AI making it easy to research and generate info about colleges, admission officers advocate for the importance of authentic, specific supplemental essays - especially for those “Why” college essays.
AI makes it easier than ever for applicants to execute copy-paste answers. Students should aim to break away from a highly templated supplemental essay.
For example, Columbia University’s admission director emphasized the benefits of a student who aligns his or her goals and interests with the “DNA of the institution” to stand out as a genuine match.
Universities Remain Steadfast in Their Commitment to International Students
International admissions will continue to face uncertainty over the next few years with policy shifts and visa delays; however, Admission Directors unanimously advocate for the value of international students on US campuses; “Borders remain open at colleges.”
This admission cycle, Admission Directors are planning for uncertainty and flexibility. We expect to see larger waitlists - with many colleges accepting students off the waitlist again.
Students should always stay in close communication with colleges. Admission offices emphasize that they work individually with each student to create the best path forward to ensure that students can either attend in the fallor make a viable Plan B.
While recent technology and federal policy have brought change within the college admission landscape, much remains the same: colleges continue to seek students who demonstrate academic achievement as well as impact, individuality, kindness, and leadership. If you have any questions about the above, don’t hesitate to reach out to your College Advisor or to our team here.
