Colleges are confronting a clogged admissions pipeline as early‑decision (ED) programs expand and legal challenges mount. A detailed analysis shows elite institutions admit growing shares of their classes via ED—locking in entrants, boosting yield, and drawing lawsuits alleging anticompetitive effects and unequal access. At the same time, graduate and professional admissions are wrestling with AI’s role in personal statements and application vetting; admissions leaders are debating whether AI‑assisted essays undermine evaluative tools or whether policy and new assessment formats can preserve fairness. Institutions face pressure from courts, families, and internal equity advocates to redesign ED practices and admissions processes to preserve access and transparency.