Colleges nationwide are simplifying application processes, waiving fees and making post‑deadline offers as the pool of traditional 18‑year‑old applicants begins a projected long decline. Admissions offices told reporters they are offering one‑click applications, targeted recruitment after May 1, and incentives to convert yield amid a demographic squeeze that will deepen over the next decade. Students and counselors report that acceptance rates have risen broadly—even some selective institutions are loosening tactical requirements—to stabilize class sizes. Admissions experts warn the changes shift more leverage to institutions that can adapt digital funnels and community recruitment quickly. In parallel, students are changing tactics: Hechinger Report data shows a sharp rise in double majors as Gen Z seeks resilience in a volatile labor market and AI‑reshaped hiring practices. Universities from Drexel to Harvard report large percentage increases in students pursuing two degrees, with common pairings in technical and data fields. Admissions and academic leaders must reconcile relaxed entry gates with curricular capacity: deciding whether to expand advising, redesign first‑year curricula, or use targeted bridges to maintain graduation and workforce outcomes as cohorts change composition.