New research from the United Negro College Fund found persistent gaps in high‑school exposure to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Most students reported little familiarity with HBCUs; teachers and counselors were more likely than students to claim familiarity, and many counselors have caseloads that limit proactive outreach. The UNCF study flagged classroom exposure and counselor bandwidth as key drivers of low awareness. At the same time, selective colleges face legal and operational pressure from the growth of early‑decision programs and a clogged admissions funnel. Institutions are admitting larger shares of classes through ED, prompting lawsuits that claim the policy reduces competition and advantages wealthier applicants. Admissions officers warn that faculty and career offices must adapt as yield metrics and financial‑aid mixes shift. Both findings point to a recruitment ecosystem under strain: secondary advising bottlenecks and expanding ED practices risk narrowing student choice and skewing access. College enrollment leaders should expand outreach to under‑served high schools, invest in counselor partnerships, and re-evaluate the balance between early recruitment tactics and equitable access.