States including Alabama, Illinois, and Tennessee have launched direct admissions initiatives to simplify college entry for rising high school seniors. These programs automatically send admission offers and scholarships to qualifying students without traditional application requirements. The initiatives seek to reduce stress, lower costs, and potentially increase enrollment by courting students more proactively. Early evidence shows mixed impacts on enrollment, with some gains noted at open-access institutions. The Tennessee pilot notably integrates financial aid details into acceptance communications, aiming for a more comprehensive student recruitment approach.