Hampshire College reported a dramatic shortfall—enrolling 168 freshmen versus a 300‑student target—after rolling out a new direct‑admissions model. The college cited operational learning curves and ambitious goals tied to financial sustainability; the miss reverses three years of enrollment recovery and highlights risks associated with rapid admissions innovation. Across the country, college‑admissions essays show students adapting to political and social pressures: counselors and admissions officers reported fewer applicants foregrounding sensitive identity topics amid national debates over diversity and campus politics. Admissions officers say essays reflect changing student strategies and signal potential shifts in how selective colleges evaluate background and identity.