# College admissions offices soften their approach

> Facing fewer applicants, colleges are making their admissions process warmer and less formal to attract students.
- Title: College admissions offices soften their approach · NPR
- Summary: Facing fewer applicants, colleges are making their admissions process warmer and less formal to attract students. Colleges are making admissions offices…
- Keywords: college admissions, higher education, student recruitment, enrollment decline, news, College, admissions, offices, soften, approach, NPR
- Source: NPR — https://npr.org/2026/11/02/nx-s1-6007855/college-admissions-change-fewer-students
- Published: 2026-11-02T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: college admissions, higher education, student recruitment, enrollment decline, news
## Fewer students prompt change
With student numbers declining, college admissions offices are redesigning how they present themselves to prospective applicants.
## Making admissions friendlier
Colleges are making their admissions offices warmer and less intimidating to attract the smaller pool of students available.
## A shift in strategy
The change reflects colleges competing harder for applicants by removing barriers and creating a more welcoming environment for prospective students.
## Key takeaway

Colleges are making admissions offices friendlier and less intimidating as student numbers decline.