As a family, you’ve done everything you’ve been told to do. Balanced school with extracurriculars; maybe your applicant is an athlete or a chess player. College counselors have advised you on the correct classes to take; foreign languages are wrapping up and you have a spread of classes that include basic, college prep, and maybe AP, IB, or dual enrollment. Grades are notable, too. Lots of time studying. SAT or ACT prep classes are done, and maybe the tests are, too.

The most exciting part of this equation is the dream list of schools. There are lists upon lists, some calculating finances and others proximity to home and places of worship. You’ve looked into on-campus living, dining options, and you’ve found a cool coffee shop within walking distance from campus. The family is working like a finely tuned machine, everyone focused on the task-at-hand and you’re ready to go.

Except this admissions cycle will be like nothing we have ever seen before.