DECISIONS, NEWS YOU CAN USE, WEATHER THE STORM - VOL. 39
VOL. 39
YOUR TRUSTED GUIDE TO EVERYTHING COLLEGE
EDITOR’S NOTE:
Happy Friday!
With major college decisions being released today (1/23), we’re breaking down what to expect right now — and what’s ahead — along with the key admissions trends families should be watching in 2026.
We’re also diving into how AP courses can help students graduate in as little as three years, spotlighting Indiana University in our Travel Corner to celebrate their big football win, and welcoming our newest intern, Bella, to The College & Dorm Corner team!
And because winter doesn’t stop college life ❄️ — we’re sharing smart dorm tips for weathering a snowstorm, plus shopping picks and thoughtful acceptance-gift ideas (including a special University of Florida gift guide for new Gator families).
Big news: our newly redesigned College & Dorm Corner website is launching soon, bringing everything you need — from admissions to dorm life — into ONE streamlined destination. Stay tuned!
Follow along on Instagram for daily tips, trends & resources:
https://www.instagram.com/thecollegeanddormcorner
IN THIS ISSUE
• Decision Day Update: Today’s releases & what comes next
• 2026 Admissions Trends: What families should be watching now
• AP Courses / Early Graduation: Students can finish college in 3 years
• Travel Corner Feature: Indiana University
• ❄️ Dorm Winter Survival Guide: Snowstorm tips every student needs
• University of Florida Gift Guide: Perfect picks for new Gators
• Coming Soon: Our new College & Dorm Corner website
BIG DECISIONS TODAY
COLLEGES ARE LETTING AI BOTS HELP MAKE DECISIONS ON WHO TO ADMIT
Thousands of students will get their college decisions faster this year because of artificial intelligence. Admissions departments across the country are turning to AI for help reading essays and reviewing transcripts, aiming to streamline work for their staff as higher education faces funding pressures. With corporate America using the technology to screen job applicants, schools like Virginia Tech and the California Institute of Technology are taking a page out of hiring managers’ playbook.
READ MORE HERE → https://www.bloomberg.com
USE AP CREDITS TO GRADUATE FROM COLLEGE IN 3 YEARS
For students looking to trim time and cost from their college degree, the process often begins in high school. Students can use Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses to bank college credits and graduate in three years. “If a student matriculates at a college that accepts particular AP exam scores for college credits, the additional benefit may be that the student can graduate early and, by extension, save financially,” says a college admissions counselor.
READ MORE → https://www.usnews.com
6 COLLEGE ADMISSIONS TRENDS TO WATCH IN 2026
If the first wave of applications for Fall 2026 enrollment is any indication, landing a spot at the school of your choice is going to be as competitive as ever. According to a Common App report which presents application trends for the 2025–2026 application cycle through December 1, 2025, the number of students applying through its application portal increased by 4% compared to the same time last year. The total number of applications that students submitted increased by 9%, and the average number of schools students applied to (applications per student) increased to 5.38, up slightly from 5.11 compared to the same time in 2024.
READ MORE → https://www.collegedata.com
THE BEST COLLEGE RANKINGS OF THE BIG TEN SCHOOLS
Northwestern University is the top-ranked Big Ten school in a conference that dominates academically and athletically. According to the U.S. News 2026 Best Colleges rankings, all but three of the Big Ten schools rank within the top 100 national universities — schools that are often research-oriented and offer a full range of undergrad
uate majors as well as master’s and doctoral programs.
READ MORE → https://www.usnews.com
A WINTER SNOWSTORM IS COMING!!
TIPS FOR HOW COLLEGE STUDENTS SHOULD PREPARE FOR THE SNOWSTORM!
24–48 Hours Before the Storm — Checklist
• ☐ Charge phone, laptop, tablet, power banks, lanterns/flashlights
• ☐ Fill water bottles + extra jugs (a few liters per person)
• ☐ Pick up prescriptions, meds, and essentials (contacts, inhalers)
• ☐ Add funds to campus card; keep some small cash
• ☐ Do laundry (warm clothes, socks, extra layers)
READ MORE TIPS HERE → https://www.yahoo.com
INTRODUCING OUR NEW INTERN FROM SACRED HEART UNIVERSITY, BELLA!
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE → https://www.instagram.com
GOOD LUCK FUTURE GATORS
!
The UF Gift Guide drops today — packed with Gator-approved finds.
SHOP THE GUIDE → https://www.amazon.com
THE TRAVEL CORNER – INDIANA
To celebrate IU’s big win, we’re spotlighting our curated 
guide with the best places to stay, eat, shop, and explore in Bloomington.
CLICK HERE FOR THE GUIDE → https://www.thecollegecorner.com
PIC OF THE DAY – BUNDLE UP! ❄️
STORE FRONT
We’ve done the work for you! All the college & celebration must-haves in 1 place
TRAVEL CORNER
Submit travel recommendations for your school town.
STYLE CORNER
Submit a look styled by you. Include a title and links to each item in your look.
CURATORS
Direct access to curated finds for your college acceptance celebration!
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/college-decisions-news-you-can-use-weathering-the-storm
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