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If education feels a little like a Jumanji game to you lately, you’re not alone. Let’s just say it: if the college admissions process were a rollercoaster, this year’s ride would be Space Mountain meets Stranger Things—a little dark, super unpredictable, and somehow you’re still holding on to hope that snacks are coming soon.
We used to think the college process was confusing. Back in the day (okay, a few years ago), timelines made sense. FAFSA opened in October. Standardized tests were standard. Essays had predictable prompts, and deadlines actually felt like deadlines. But now? We’re all living in “The Twilight Zone” meets “Groundhog Day”—and even the guidance counselors are shrugging and saying, “We’re doing our best.”
Families are asking questions like:
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“Why hasn’t FAFSA processed yet?”
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“Is this school test-optional… or just optional about everything?”
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“Do I need an essay, a video, a résumé, a TikTok dance, or all four?”
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“And what exactly is Direct Admissions?”
- Is the Department of Education still a thing?
It’s enough to make even the calmest parent want to blast “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” and start applying to Hogwarts instead.
The truth is, education feels unstable. The Department of Education is sending updates like you send out group texts—frequent, slightly unclear, and always with that “wait, what does this mean?” vibe. Meanwhile, colleges are shifting policies mid-year like they’re changing outfits for prom. One minute you’re planning for SATs and APs, and the next minute it’s “test-flexible but not test-optional unless you’re in-state and have a dog named Max.”
And don’t even get us started on the FAFSA delays. Some students are still waiting for their financial aid packages like it’s the final rose ceremony on The Bachelor—will your college hopes be funded… or not?
It’s wild out here. But you’re not alone.
Whether you’re a student trying to figure out your next step or a parent doing deep breathing exercises into your Yeti tumbler, we get it. It’s overwhelming, it’s exhausting, and frankly, it feels like the world hit shuffle on an already messy playlist.
So what can you do?
Well… first, maybe grab some snacks. Then put on your favorite 80s power anthem (we suggest “Don’t Stop Believin’” or “Manic Monday”) and remember this:
💡 You don’t have to do this alone.
There are people who understand this ever-changing landscape—people who don’t just survive in the college admissions jungle… they bring a flashlight, a map, and maybe even snacks for the journey.
At Imagine, we are trying to bring some order to the chaos the best we can.
We have up to date blogs to inspire, encourage and inform
We have a weekly newsletter to encourage educators, students and parents
We have scholarships to help ease the unethical prices of education
We have online courses to help students, parents and educators
We even offer a free version of Imagine Scholarships
We have friends in the business that help you know the bottom line of what a school costs
We have College Coaching for a personalized approach to this complicated process
We have connections and we have your back
Our Summer College Admissions Bootcamp is built exactly for this chaos. For one week, students join live online sessions with real experts who love this stuff (and are slightly obsessed with helping students succeed). We cover everything—from essays and timelines to choosing the right schools and understanding financial aid.
And most importantly? We bring clarity, encouragement, and a little fun back into the process.
Because even though the system may be complicated, your dreams are still valid. Your future is still bright. And if you’re willing to show up and take the next step, we’ll be right there—like your academic hype team—with glitter pens, checklists, and the Top Gun soundtrack on standby.
Be careful, It’s a jungle out there! Let’s get through this wild, wonderful ride together. And maybe, just maybe… make it a little fun along the way.