A fellow UGA alum laughed recently and said,
“I don’t think my kids will get into Georgia. They’ll just have to go to Auburn.”
As if Auburn were a backup plan.
That’s so sweet.
Hot Hot Hot and the September 15 Shock
It is no secret that Auburn has quickly become one of the hottest schools in the South.
Fall 2020: 17,946 applications | 85% admit rate
Fall 2025: 59,128 applications | ~45% admit rate
That’s more than tripling in just five years. Parents who remember Auburn as an easy admit are now finding it’s selective, competitive, and filling fast.
Most parents circle November 1 as the big early-action deadline. Some schools nudge a little earlier — usually October 15 or November 15. But Auburn? Its first early-action round closes September 15.
That’s weeks before most families have even settled into senior year.
And it matters: students who applied by the first round have better housing selection priority if Auburn is ultimately where they decide to go.
“I Want to Go to Auburn”
Everywhere I go (aka beyond the group texts!) people are saying: “I don’t know what they’re putting in the water, but Auburn has a cult-like following right now.”
Culture pull: Football Saturdays, Greek life, SEC energy, and southern charm are magnetic.
Peer influence: Kids declare Auburn as a first choice before they’ve even visited.
Momentum: When the crowd rushes in, the influence grows.
This is The Auburn Effect: the mix of culture, competitiveness, and timing that makes Auburn hotter than ever.
Test-Optional… But Not Really
For Fall 2026 admissions (this year’s seniors), fewer than 5% will be admitted without test scores.
Only students with a 3.6+ GPA may even be considered test-optional.
Submitting ACT/SAT significantly strengthens an application and is strongly encouraged.
New for Fall 2027 (next year’s juniors): Auburn will require test scores for all applicants.
What Parents of Seniors Can Do (The 24-Hour Game Plan)
If your student is staring down the Sept 15 deadline, here’s how to support without taking over:
Confirm submission: transcripts, test scores, and fees are in.
Quick essay review: help catch typos, but let their voice stand.
Remind calmly: missing Sept 15 isn’t fatal (apps roll into Round 2), but some perks (like housing) may be gone.
Stay steady: our stress becomes their stress. Encourage, don’t panic.
Perspective check: Auburn is amazing, but not the only amazing fit.
What Parents of Juniors Should Note
Class of 2027 parents: this is your preview.
Deadlines are earlier than you think. September of senior year matters. Waiting until fall break is too late.
Testing is back. Auburn (and many peers) will require ACT/SAT again for Fall 2027 admissions. Plan your testing calendar now.
Summer prep is essential. Essays drafted in July/August give students breathing room once school starts.
In other words: next year at this time, you’ll want your teen to get ready for submitting, not starting.
Tiger Takeaway…The War Eagle Wrap-Up…The Final Huddle….Toomer’s Final Roll Call…..
The Auburn Effect is about more than just one school. It’s a reminder that admissions landscapes shift quickly, that schools parents once thought of as backups can become selective hotspots, and that deadlines can creep earlier and earlier.
Whether your student is applying tomorrow or a year from now, the message is the same: stay tuned-in, be supportive, and don’t underestimate the timeline.