2026 THE YEAR WE GET COLLEGE READY - VOL. 38
VOL. 38
YOUR TRUSTED GUIDE TO EVERYTHING COLLEGE
EDITOR’S NOTE:
Happy 2026!
We’re kicking off a whole new year of stories, trends, and twists in the college world. This week, AI officially enters the admissions chat — some schools are now piloting AI scoring for college essays (yes, really), and others are rethinking traditional writing altogether.
Are at-home writing assignments becoming a thing of the past? We’re also tracking Michigan’s surprise early action decisions (cue the social media posts and group texts), sharing must-know tips for juniors heading out on campus tours, and announcing the first event in our new COLLEGE CONVERSATIONS in-person series.
Plus, I’m sharing a Letter to My Younger High School Self — and we’re unveiling our newest drop: the BUT FIRST collection.
Buckle up — 2026 is already moving at a rapid pace!
Follow along on Instagram for more tips, tricks & trends: https://www.instagram.com/thecollegeanddormcorner
IN THIS ISSUE:
• AI steps in to score college essays
• ✍️ Are at-home writing assignments disappearing?
• 〽️ Michigan’s surprise early-action release
• Junior-year campus touring tips
• Save the Date — College Conversations starts Feb. 6
• A Letter to My Younger High School Self
• New drop: the BUT FIRST collection
AI IS SCORING COLLEGE ESSAY AND CONDUCTING INTERVIEWS
Students applying to college know they can’t — or at least shouldn’t — use AI to write their college admission essays. So it might come as a surprise that some schools are using artificial intelligence to read them and are incorporating AI into their own admissions process to conduct interviews and detect fake applications attempting to steal financial aid money.
READ MORE HERE → https://www.latimes.com
MORE → https://www.theeduledger.com
BIO LAB. CHEM LAB. WRITING LAB?
One might expect to hear such exclamations from exultant college students after polishing off their latest essay assignment. Instead, a growing number of professors see traditional writing assignments as antiquated — some even call them a relic of the “Writing Age.”
READ MORE HERE → https://www.insidehighered.com
MORE → https://www.rocketcitynow.com
MICHIGAN’S BIG SURPRISE THIS WEEK
In a surprise move, the University of Michigan released Early Action decisions this week — weeks ahead of their traditional window. The unexpected drop sent shockwaves through inboxes, social feeds, and senior class group chats nationwide, underscoring just how unpredictable this admissions cycle has become.
READ MORE HERE → https://www.instagram.com
MORE → https://www.businessinsider.com
Tips to Make the Most of Campus Tours
1️⃣ Go on a day when classes are in session.
2️⃣ Watch the students and campus vibe.
3️⃣ Ask the tour guide real questions.
4️⃣ Explore beyond the tour route.
5️⃣ Check out the surrounding city and town.
6️⃣ Take notes immediately after each tour so you don’t forget anything.
7️⃣ Sit in on something live if possible.
8️⃣ Snap photos to help compare later.
9️⃣ Talk to students not on the tour.
LEARN MORE HERE → https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org
A Letter to My Younger High School Self
I recently wrote a letter to my younger high school self that was published on The Local Moms Network.
Read it HERE → https://thelocalmomsnetwork.com
and we also added AL’S BLOGS section on our website.
Read AL’s Blogs → https://thedormcorner.com
BUT FIRST…
Our newest college collection repping the best bars at your school.
CLICK HERE to shop → https://thedormcorner.com
Check out our amazing CORNER SHOPS → https://www.thecollegecorner.com
Visit our AMAZON STOREFRONT → https://amzn.to
PIC OF THE DAY — CHEERS TO 2026!
HANDY ACCESS
STORE FRONT
We’ve done the work for you! All the college & celebration must-haves in 1 place: https://www.thecollegecorner.com
TRAVEL CORNER
Submit travel recommendations for your school town: https://www.thecollegecorner.com
STYLE CORNER
Submit a look styled by you. Include a title and links to each item in your look: https://www.thecollegecorner.com
CURATORS
Direct access to curated finds for your college acceptance celebration: https://www.thecollegecorner.com
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOU
We would love to know more about YOU and what we can do to help your college journey! Please fill out this short questionnaire HERE → https://mailchi.mp/thecollegecorner/2026-the-year-we-get-college-ready
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